**Heat sign first-round pick Kasparas Jakucionis to four-year, $17.3 million contract

MIAMI – Following a relatively quiet week at the NBA trade deadline, and in anticipation of the July free agency period, the Miami Heat have made their first significant splash this offseason. On Tuesday, the Heat officially announced the signing of Lithuania native and second-round pick Kasparas Jakucionis to a four-year, $17.3 million contract extension. This development emerges during a period where the Heat have otherwise maintained a low profile, keeping their roster options close to the vest ahead of major decisions.

Though the specific financial terms of the initial deal weren't disclosed at the time of announcement, the nature of the four-year pact, coupled with typical NBA royalty calculations, confirms the benchmark figure. The contract guarantees the young forward $7 million over the first two seasons, with Jakucionis' average annual value sitting slightly under $4.3 million. Details indicate the final two seasons carry team options, aligning with the Heat's strategy to add depth while maintaining flexibility. His base salary for the first season (2025-26) is pegged at $3.7 million.

The acquisition comes as part of a multi-faceted effort by Miami to reshape its roster under the guidance of new management, aimed at contending immediately. Jakucionis, a versatile international prospect selected 43rd overall, brings intriguing defensive potential and scoring ability. Having bounced between European leagues and the NBA G League, the 23-year-old player has shown flashes of power and efficiency since entering the league, most recently contributing significantly for Berlin Basketball in the Bundesliga and during his brief NBA stint learning under former Heat coach Erik Spoelstra.

Miami Governor and President of Basketball Operations Tommy Saunders expressed satisfaction with the move, emphasizing the need to build championship-caliber depth. "We understood early on that Kasparas possesses the right skill set and international experience to fit our plans," Saunders stated. The Heat now look set to utilize their first draft pick on Jakucionis before pivoting towards the unrestricted free agency market, where major names including Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton are expected to enter the fray. For Jakucionis, joining a veteran team in P的老abs with strong coaching like Erik Spoelstra could provide an ideal launching pad for his NBA career, adding a multi-positional threat to the Heat bench during a critical rebuilding phase.