The Miami Heat are most likely done making big offseason transactions, as is very clear. Tyler Herro will receive a clear message about his future with the team from their next move, regardless of whether they choose to extend him or not.
The Heat have enjoyed an excellent offseason overall. It’s difficult to criticize Miami’s actions if you can overlook their fruitless and possibly inauthentic pursuit of Kevin Durant.
They made no decisions this summer that would compromise their stated objective of having financial flexibility going into the 2026 offseason. That is, of course, until they decide, in one form or another, Herro’s future.
Herro’s date of eligibility for an extension
The Heat’s prospects will shift in one way or another on October 1. Miami will either lock itself into the status quo or double down on its quest for maximum flexibility going into the upcoming offseason, possibly even at the sacrifice of one of its key players.
That’s the magnitude of the Herro extension decision.
It will significantly affect this franchise’s future and have an effect on the team for the upcoming years.
That being said, it wouldn’t be a bad thing if the Heat signed Herro to a contract this offseason.
Simply put, it would be very strange and would go against their summertime operations.
The Herro extension’s major conundrum
Herro is likely to request the maximum $150 million, three-year contract for which he qualifies. Given that he just finished an All-Star season, one may argue that he is worth the price. I don’t think it would be in the Heat’s best interests to pay him that much, though.
I don’t see how the Heat can offer Herro this extension and still achieve their aim of acquiring a great player in the coming years and regaining their position as a contender for the championship.
That’s just the sad reality. The Heat couldn’t afford three max players without facing severe tax repercussions given the current CBA’s structure. In all honesty, I’m not even sure if Miami should accept Herro’s extension to enter the tax. We’ve seen how far this team can go with just Herro and Bam Adebayo.
It’s also not that far.
The Heat must decide what to do. And based on their performance during the remainder of this summer, we will discover just how much the Heat regard Herro. Miami is going to give Herro a very clear message in one form or another.
The Heat’s decision to prolong Herro shows that they not only respect him as a leader but also firmly think he can improve further before reaching his limit. Herro’s future with the team will undoubtedly be hampered if they decide not to extend him.
Miami is in a difficult situation with no simple solution. However, we should get some much-needed clarity on the Heat’s attitude to Herro’s future with the team by the beginning of training camp.
Neither of us should be surprised at this time, in my opinion.
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