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After a strong start to the preseason, Jamal Cain‘s contract has been converted to a two-way contract. The 6-foot-7 went undrafted out Oakland. He played five games with the Miami Heat‘s summer league team, averaging eight points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game. He was later signed to an Exhibit 10 contract in late July. With Miami only carrying 14 players because of tax reasons, Cain entered training competing for one of the two-way contract spots.
And boy has he earned it. Through the first three preseason games, Cain is averaging 12 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.3 steals on 44% shooting from three-point range. Cain has been one of the Heat’s most impressive players of the preseason. On Thursday, he defended Kevin Durant as well as anyone could. He’s been knocking down corner three-pointers. He’s also making hustle plays on both ends of the floor. His performance has even impressed Bam Adebayo, who endorsed the forward after his performance against the Nets.
Waiving Days
With the Heat’s two two-way contract spots already occupied, they cut Darius Days from his two-way deal to make room. After being cut from the roster, Days will be able to spend time with Miami’s G League Affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce. Unfortunately, other teams will be able to sign him to a standard or two-way contract. Cain now joins Marcus Garrett as the Heat’s two two-way contract players. These contracts do not count toward the Heat’s salary cap or luxury tax. Both players will be able to spend time with Miami for as many as 50 regular season games. However, those on two-way contracts are ineligible for the playoffs.
Now that Cain is officially on board, the Heat have another gem to develop in their system. Over the years, the Heat have had success developing players like Max Strus, Gabe Vincent, and Caleb Martin. Cain is on his way to becoming another developmental success story for Miami.
