Tyler Herro spent the better part of his tenure with the Miami Heat fielding criticism for his defensive limitations. Though the Heat are flush with high-level defenders and a top-tier system, Herro's shortcomings often became a bigger topic of conversation than his offensive proficiency.
As the Heat continue to search for ways to build out their rotation, however, it's becoming painfully clear how difficult replacing Herro's well-rounded offensive game is going to be.
Trading Herro was a necessary evil to land superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. While Herro is a talented playmaker and shot creator, Antetokounmpo is a two-time MVP and a former NBA champion, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP.
That doesn't change the fact, however, that Herro was a gifted scorer, playmaker, and off-ball contributor who checked boxes that many others struggled to.
Though Herro may not have produced with the same volume as a Luka Doncic or a Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, he fit the modern standard to a lesser degree. He was an all-around offensive player who could create for himself and others, and shoot efficiently away from the ball.
For as simple as that may sound, it's a far more difficult set of boxes to check than one might presume—and Miami is learning that first hand.
Heat pursuing DeRozan and Thompson to replace Tyler Herro
Over the past five seasons, Herro has accumulated averages of 21.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 3.0 three-point field goals made on .455/.384/.888 shooting. It's the type of production that most teams could only dream of securing from a player who isn't a No. 1 scoring option.
It's also the type of balanced production that Miami itself is now searching for ways to create—more by committee than with any one player.
The Heat are reportedly interested in six-time All-Star wing DeMar DeRozan. DeRozan would certainly help in the scoring and facilitating departments after averaging 20.3 points and 4.3 assists across two seasons with the Sacramento Kings. He's also an excellent slasher, which should help replace Herro's production in that arena.
In saying that, Herro shot 37.3 percent on 3.3 catch-and-shoot threes in 2025-26 and 39.7 percent on 4.4 attempts in 2024-25. DeRozan maxed out at 35.1 percent and 2.4 attempts during that same time.
Klay Thompson is an all-time great shooter whom Miami is reportedly interested in, as well. He could thus fill such a void. He lacks the same shot creation skills at this stage of his career, however, and has never been known for his playmaking. DeRozan is also 37 and Thompson is 36, whereas Herro is 26.
The Heat are by no means lost at sea, but they're quickly learning how hard it is to find a player with Herro's offensive skill set—and how they'll need multiple veterans to collaborate to do what he did by himself.
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