Heat Trim Camp Roster, Leave The 15th Spot Open

By the Heat Nightly Desk · Tuesday, September 22

The Heat parted ways with Jahmir Young and Trevor Keels on September 21, trimming a camp roster that now sits short of a full fifteen. All U Can Heat reported Miami's pursuit of Kawhi Leonard hit a problem the front office could not solve, with the open 15th spot still unfilled.

Heat Nightly artwork — Illustration by Hoops Nightly.

Two Names Cut

Guard Jahmir Young and wing Trevor Keels both left the Heat on September 21. Keels had already lined up an Exhibit 10 deal with Washington, per Keith Smith, leaving Miami's camp short of a full roster and the 15th spot unfilled.

Leonard Buzz

All U Can Heat reported that Miami's pursuit of Kawhi Leonard ran into an obstacle the front office could not clear, and separately flagged the open 15th roster spot as part of a longer-term plan. Neither report has been confirmed beyond that outlet.

Camp To October

Miami opens preseason October 3 at Toronto, then hosts New Orleans, Minnesota and Brooklyn before the regular-season opener October 21 against the Timberwolves on ESPN. The payroll sits at $208.3M, over the $200.4M luxury tax line, and Miami's own first-round pick doesn't arrive until 2029.

Fontecchio's Number

Simone Fontecchio is shooting 70.8% true shooting over his last ten games, well ahead of his season mark and still a small sample. If it holds, Erik Spoelstra has another weapon off the bench.

Bottom Line

Camp is down two bodies, the 15th spot is open, and a Leonard rumor sits unresolved. Miami has three weeks to settle both before the answers stop being theoretical on October 21.

Are Jahmir Young and Trevor Keels still with the Heat?

No. Both left the team on September 21, and Keels signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Washington Wizards.

When does the Heat season start?

Preseason opens October 3 at Toronto, and the regular-season opener is October 21 against the Timberwolves on ESPN.