Former Maryland Star Jahmir Young Lands Opportunity With Miami Heat Competing For Two-Way Contract After Chicago Bulls Release This Summer
The journey to the NBA has never been straightforward for most undrafted players, and Jahmir Young is the latest example of how persistence, adaptability, and belief in one’s ability can keep dreams alive. According to HoopsHype, former Maryland Terrapins standout Jahmir Young has agreed to a deal with the Miami Heat, where he will compete for a two-way spot after being released by the Chicago Bulls earlier this summer. For Young, the Heat represent not just another team but a new opportunity to showcase his skills in a league where roster spots are hard to come by and every minute of court time must be earned.
Young’s story begins long before the headlines of NBA training camps and two-way contracts. Born and raised in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, Young was a four-star recruit out of DeMatha Catholic High School, one of the premier basketball programs in the country. His early career showcased his blend of scoring, playmaking, and leadership, earning him attention from multiple college programs. He ultimately began his collegiate journey with the Charlotte 49ers, where he became one of Conference USA’s most dynamic guards. After three seasons in Charlotte, during which he established himself as an elite scorer and reliable ball handler, Young transferred to Maryland, returning home to play for the Terrapins in the Big Ten.
At Maryland, Young proved his game could translate at a higher level. He immediately became a leader, both on and off the court, and was the team’s go-to scorer in clutch situations. His ability to get downhill, draw contact, and finish through traffic gave the Terrapins a steady offensive option, while his ball-handling and passing kept defenses honest. In his time with the Terps, he posted strong numbers, earning All-Big Ten recognition and further elevating his stock as a professional prospect.
Despite his collegiate success, the NBA Draft did not call his name. The path of an undrafted free agent is full of uncertainty, but Young remained undeterred. He joined the Chicago Bulls for Summer League action, hoping to impress enough to secure a spot on the roster. While flashes of his potential were visible, the Bulls ultimately decided to part ways with him earlier in the summer. For many players, such a setback can feel like the end of the road. But Young, known for his resilience and unrelenting work ethic, quickly set his sights on the next opportunity.
Enter the Miami Heat. A franchise built on the philosophy of development, grit, and maximizing overlooked talent, the Heat have a long history of turning undrafted players into valuable contributors. From Udonis Haslem to Duncan Robinson, Max Strus, and even more recently, players like Gabe Vincent, the Heat’s track record of giving chances to under-the-radar talents makes them an ideal landing spot for someone like Jahmir Young. With Miami’s emphasis on conditioning, toughness, and player development, Young’s skill set and mentality fit neatly into the culture that head coach Erik Spoelstra and team president Pat Riley have cultivated over decades.
The opportunity to compete for a two-way contract is significant. Under current NBA rules, each team is allowed three two-way players in addition to their 15-man roster. Two-way contracts allow players to split time between the NBA team and its G League affiliate, providing the chance to develop while also being available for NBA call-ups. For Young, this means he will likely spend time with the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the Heat’s G League team, while working toward earning minutes at the NBA level. It’s a grind, but it is also a gateway. Many two-way players have carved out long-term NBA careers after proving themselves in limited roles.
Young’s game is well-suited for this type of opportunity. At six-foot-one, he brings quickness, an ability to create his own shot, and a knack for scoring at all three levels. While he is not the tallest guard, his fearless approach and confidence often make up for size disadvantages. He thrives in pick-and-roll situations, capable of both pulling up for a jumper and penetrating to collapse defenses. His willingness to defend with energy, combined with Miami’s reputation for molding players into better two-way threats, could make him a strong candidate to stick with the team beyond just training camp.
For the Heat, bringing in Young is a low-risk, high-reward move. With their roster often in flux due to injuries, load management, or rotation changes, Miami relies heavily on its two-way players to step up when needed. Young’s versatility in the backcourt gives Spoelstra another option, especially given the team’s need for secondary playmaking behind established guards. If Young can impress in practice, training camp scrimmages, and preseason action, he could position himself as more than just a developmental project.
Beyond the numbers and tactical fit, Young’s story resonates because it reflects the broader reality of professional basketball. Not everyone is drafted, not everyone gets immediate stardom, and not everyone’s path is linear. For every lottery pick destined for headlines, there are countless players like Young—talented, determined, and hungry—fighting for their chance. The Heat’s decision to give him a shot shows that his potential is recognized, even if it comes with no guarantees.
Fans of Maryland basketball will surely keep an eye on his progress, as his journey is a continuation of the pride he brought to the program during his collegiate days. The Terps faithful, who watched him light up the Big Ten with clutch performances and fearless drives to the rim, will root for him to make an impact at the professional level. His success in Miami could also serve as inspiration for other Maryland players dreaming of making it in the NBA.
For Young personally, this is about more than just basketball. It is about proving to himself, to the league, and to anyone watching that he belongs. The grind of daily practices, film sessions, weight training, and travel will test him, but he has already shown throughout his career that he thrives under pressure. His time with Maryland, especially in a demanding Big Ten schedule, prepared him for tough competition. Now, he will have to take those lessons and elevate his game further in the Heat’s competitive environment.
Looking ahead, the preseason will be critical. Every possession, every defensive stop, every smart pass, and every made shot will be part of his audition. The Heat staff will be watching closely to see not just his production but also his attitude, work ethic, and ability to fit into Miami’s demanding system. For Young, standing out is essential. Whether it’s through his scoring ability, his energy on defense, or simply being a good teammate, he will need to make a case for why he deserves one of those coveted two-way spots.
Should he secure the contract, the next step will be leveraging the G League to his advantage. Players like Vincent and Robinson used their time in Sioux Falls to refine their skills, gain confidence, and stay ready for NBA call-ups. Young will have to do the same—consistently performing in the G League while waiting for his chance to crack the NBA rotation. The grind is not glamorous, but it is effective. Miami’s developmental system is one of the best in the league, and if Young commits fully, he could see his career trajectory change dramatically in the coming years.
Of course, nothing is guaranteed. The NBA is unforgiving, and roster spots are scarce. The Heat could ultimately go in a different direction, and Young might find himself seeking another opportunity elsewhere. But for now, the focus is clear: compete, impress, and earn. This is the chance he has worked for, and if his past is any indication, he will approach it with the same resilience that has defined his basketball journey.
For Miami, bringing in a player like Young reflects their ongoing commitment to finding hidden gems and maximizing talent. In a league where stars dominate headlines, the Heat have built a reputation for valuing the grind and turning overlooked players into contributors. If Young becomes the next in line, both the team and the player will benefit from the partnership.
As training camp approaches, the spotlight will be on the Heat’s established stars, but for Jahmir Young, the focus is inward. It’s about putting in the work, embracing the challenge, and making the most of every opportunity. His path has been anything but easy, but that is precisely what makes this moment so meaningful. For the young guard from Maryland, the NBA dream is still alive, and in Miami, he has found the perfect environment to keep chasing it.
