The Heat gave him a two-year two-way contract, granting both parties security and flexibility. Now, the Heat have two of their two-way spots filled, as they have already signed Vladislav Goldin to one, with guard Dru Smith a potential candidate for the final spot.

Gardner, who is from Detroit, has yet to play in an NBA game. In fact, this two-way contract with the Heat marks the closest that Gardener has been to playing in the NBA, as this is the first two-way or standard NBA deal that he has signed during his career.

The Heat saw what they needed from rookie Kasparas Jakucionis, but his NBA readiness, particularly ball security, is still a major concern.