Tre Donaldson gets an NBA lifeline with the Heat after one huge year at Miami

The Miami Heat have agreed to sign former Hurricanes guard Tre Donaldson to a two-way contract after he went undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft. ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported the deal late Wednesday, with Donaldson having an avenue to begin his professional career with the franchise in the same city where he produced the best season of his college career.

Donaldson spent only one season with Miami. The 6-foot-3 guard averaged 16.4 points, a team-high 5.7 assists and 3.7 rebounds while shooting 45% from the field. He earned second-team All-ACC recognition.

Miami Heat give Tre Donaldson a chance after former Canes star goes undrafted

Donaldson arrived at Miami after two seasons at Auburn and one at Michigan. He had already shown flashes as a high-level college point guard, especially during Michigan's 2025 Big Ten Tournament championship run, but his final season with the Hurricanes offered another step in his basketball career.

Donaldson started 33 games, scored a career-high 32 points against Virginia Tech and finished Miami's NCAA Tournament victory over Missouri with 17 points, eight rebounds and six assists. The Hurricanes reached the second round as a No. 7 seed before losing to Purdue.

A two-way deal allows Donaldson an opportunity in the NBA, but without a guaranteed full-time roster spot. NBA teams can carry up to 3 two-way players, who can each split time between the team and its G League affiliate. Those players can be active for up to 50 NBA games in a season.

Donaldson will get a chance to develop within Miami's system while also getting meaningful minutes with the Sioux Falls Skyforce. The Heat have long used the Skyforce as a development path for young players.

Donaldson grew up in Tallahassee, played his final college season in Coral Gables and will now begin his NBA career with the Miami Heat.

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