The Miami Heat are faced with some big choices this summer that are going to determine what direction this franchise takes over the next several years. One of the biggest choices they will have to make revolves around Tyler Herro, who is eligible for an extension. While he has been a crucial part of Miami's offense, not everyone is certain the organization should invest in him long-term. Making the wrong choice regarding this matter could put the Heat in an unfavorable situation going forward.
When we look at the raw numbers, Herro has obviously been impressive. He's been averaging over 20 points per game for three straight seasons, showcasing his growth as a three-point shooter and as a playmaker. But even with all the positive signs around his development, there's reason to question whether he's worth the kind of big time money he may command this offseason.
Many are speculating that Herro could earn a new deal worth upwards of $35 to $40 million annually, and that is a considerable amount, even for a player of his caliber. This is obviously a consideration you have to make when giving any good player their payday, but the Heat have to recognize just how limited they would become by shelling out this big of a paycheck to Tyler Herro.
In a worst case scenario, handing Herro a big extension could essentially lock Miami in to the miserable middle of the Eastern Conference long-term. The Heat are nearly a second apron team already, and committing a large portion of their payroll to Herro going forward could severely limit their chances of being able to bring on another star player down the road.
Herro's extension could be a major turning point
For a team that often likes to keep their options open and remain capable of taking big swings, this wouldn't exactly be the greatest situation.
Then we have to consider the type of player Tyler Herro is in general. He's six years into his NBA career, and we know a lot about who he is as a player by now. He's certainly grown into a much more capable and versatile scorer, but he hasn't shown that ability to consistently lead a team or be a big-time ceiling-raiser. Herro has also not been without some injury troubles throughout his career. Making this move to ink him to a big long-term deal maybe more of a gamble than some see it as being.
You always want to be loyal to your top players whenever you can. However, if it's a situation where overpaying for a guy could create disadvantages for your teams overall direction going forward, this suddenly becomes a very tricky decision.
The last place you want to be in the NBA is stuck paying enough talent that you're not bad enough to tank, but also not in a position to have a talented enough roster to contend. The Miami Heat's decision with Tyler Herro will be massive when it comes to determining whether this team will be back in the NBA Finals anytime soon, or if they'll continue to be on the journey to relevancy again for many years.