What to Expect From Heat Retainers Simone Fontecchio and Andrew Wiggins in 2026-27?
· Yahoo Sports
This offseason, the Heat witnessed a complete change in its roster. From superstar acquisitions through trade exchanges to top players leaving impressive salaries to join the roster, they saw a major upheaval. However, two players who were unaffected by these events were Andrew Wiggins and Simone Fontecchio.
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What to Expect From Heat Retainers Simon Fontecchio and Andrew Wiggins in 2026-27?Both players not only get to continue on the team but were also offered retention; a lifeline offered to only a handful this time. Now, with the next season approaching, the players have to meet high expectations to justify their contracts.
Andrew Wiggins
Earlier in the summer, Wiggins exercised the $30.1 million player option for the final year of his contract with Miami. But on June 29, the Heat decided to hand him a two-year, $34 million extension, bringing his term to a three-year, $64 million contract with them overall. He will be getting $16.5 million in 2027-28 and will have the player-option season worth $17.5 million in 2028-29. This is a huge financial security for any player, especially in a team that is aggressively looking to reinvent itself at the cost of its roster.
Wiggins opted into next season’s salary, sources have reaffirmed, before extending at two more years and $34 million.
No lies were told, you sickos… https://t.co/elhFXuW5gG
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) June 29, 2026
Wiggins was a dependable starter and brought stability last season,which he needs to continue this year. Wiggins averaged 15.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game across 68 appearances. Maintaining his distance from defense, the 31-year-old needs to focus on being a high-efficiency 3-and-D wing, a role that saw him shine last year. He knocked down two threes a game at a career-best 41.4% clip in 2025-26.
At his rate, he could surely increase his average and show improvement. For the upcoming season, Wiggins should get perimeter shooting help from Klay Thompson, who he was teammates with in Golden State.
Recently, when talking about Thompson’s arrival on his team, Wiggins was full of praise, saying, “He’s one of one.” Wiggins said about Thompson,
Thompson will bring his “championship mentality” to the team, and together they can do something special. Undeniably, Wiggins and Thompson have big goals and aim to exceed expectations. They were part of the Warriors’ 2022 NBA championship and could operate together with a similar winning mentality.
Simone Fontecchio
Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins (22) looks to drive against Atlanta Hawks guard Keaton Wallace (2) during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images via Reuters ConnectEarlier in the summer, Fontecchio was unsure about his future in the franchise. He wasn’t part of the superstar trade but wasn’t held back either, launching him into free agency. Then, on July 2, he reportedly re-signed with the Heat to a one-year veteran minimum deal for $2.6 million.
Though Fontecchio hasn’t been exceptional, he was part of some key moments last year, like in March, when Bam Adebayo scored a historic 83 points in a game; Fontecchio tallied 18 points, making the two the second-highest-scoring duo in a game.
Fontecchio started last season strong, but by midseason his production dipped. For the upcoming season, he needs to maintain his shooting accuracy and keep up a good pace. With good defense, he could also get some catch-and-shoot chances, which he must capitalize on.
Fontecchio’s consistency and continued presence gave him the upper hand over others last season, when he played 70 games and averaged 16.7 minutes per game. 8.5 points, 3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. Also, he proved crucial in perimeter shooting and bench rotation and could be similarly used by Miami this year.
The Last Word
From here on, things will be difficult, as a new roster brings new challenges for both players. Moving ahead, the joint expectations for both players are definitely an upgrade in their skills and a need to raise the standard of their games.
While Wiggins needs to hold on to his defense and steer clear of the isolation shots, Fontecchio could lean more into the rotation role. If they wish to sustain amid this upheaval, then Wiggins and Fontecchio need to prove that they can indeed take the heat.
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Photo Credit: Geoff Burke, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect