Trade speculation surrounding Simone Fontecchio has cooled as the Miami Heat forward continues to make his mark on the international stage with Italy.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported on his Substack that Miami initially explored the idea of moving Fontecchio in July. But the Heat’s financial flexibility after the Haywood Highsmith-to-Brooklyn deal, combined with Fontecchio’s recent shooting display, has shifted the outlook.
On July 7, Miami acquired Fontecchio from the Utah Jazz in exchange for Duncan Robinson. At the time, reports suggested the franchise might flip him again before the season.
Those discussions appear to have slowed, especially after Fontecchio erupted for 39 points against Bosnia at EuroBasket 2025, drilling seven three-pointers. It set a new Italian single-game scoring record at the tournament and ranked among the top performances in his national team’s history.
Through three games of group play, the 29-year-old is averaging 19 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2 assists while shooting 40% from beyond the arc. His scoring outburst helped Italy to a 2–1 record in Group C, keeping them in strong position to advance.
For Miami, Fontecchio’s value has increased. His perimeter shooting gives the Heat a floor-spacing option after a 2024–25 campaign that ended with a first-round sweep against Cleveland. His EuroBasket run also offers a timely reminder of the impact he can make as a rotation piece.
The Heat addressed roster balance in July by sending Highsmith to the Nets in exchange for a trade exception and a future second-round pick. That move reduced salary pressure and eased the urgency to move other contracts.
Fontecchio’s international form now strengthens his case to remain in Miami, where the team has reshaped its roster with offseason additions such as Norman Powell and rookie guard Kasparas Jakucionis.
While the trade market remains fluid ahead of the new season, Miami appears more inclined to keep Fontecchio, at least for the start of 2025–26. His shooting ability, now on full display in Europe, has quieted much of the chatter that once surrounded his future.
