(Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Nikola Jovic has been in the NBA for just one season and has grown comfortable with the Miami Heat during that time.
However, he knows that nothing in the league is guaranteed and he could be moving at a moment’s notice.
Speaking to Sportal.gr, Jovic told Christos Tsaltas that he wouldn’t take it personally if he gets traded away in a deal for Damian Lillard, although he hopes that doesn’t happen.
Jovic said:
“It’s basketball. Of course I’d love to be in Miami. Those guys are great and they helped me a lot. What happens, happens. I hope I stay there. That’s all.”
Nikola Jovic on Damian Lillard trade rumors and his future: “It’s basketball. Of course I’d love to be in Miami. Those guys are great and they helped me a lot. What happens, happens. I hope I stay there. That’s all”
Interview on @SportalgrG: https://t.co/SQjv7QqphW #HeatCulture pic.twitter.com/XcGgtgXoAB
— Christos Tsaltas (@Tsaltas46) August 10, 2023
During his rookie year, Jovic put up 5.5 points and 2.1 rebounds and only appeared in 15 games.
The 20-year-old power forward has a lot of potential and is hoping to show more of it in his second season.
However, his name has been attached to any potential package that acquires Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers.
So while Jovic will be playing in the NBA next season, it might be in Portland or beyond, depending on what Miami’s front office does.
This is a tough reality that Jovic seems to be comfortable with.
The NBA is a business and that means that teams are going to wheel and deal players as they wish in order to do what’s best for them, their salary cap situation, and their future.
It’s nothing personal and Jovic knows that.
Plus, it’s clear that the former first-round draft pick hasn’t created a very strong spot for himself with the Heat yet.
True, he’s only been playing for one year but perhaps he’d have better luck establishing himself with a different squad.
Jovic has made it clear that he’d love to remain in Miami.
But he’s also ready for any move that comes his way.
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