The Miami Heat may already have their answer when it comes to the future of Tyler Herro. And, unfortunately, it's hard to envision how they could possibly lock him up on a deal that would resemble him being a foundational piece of their future.
Even though he may widely be considered the best offensive player on the roster, the honest truth is that he doesn't impact the game enough to warrant the high-money contract extension that he's seeking.
It's time for the Heat to move on from Herro.
Tyler Herro has been a net-negative this season for the Heat
In 28 games played this season, the Heat have a negative plus/minus and net rating when Herro is on the floor. That means they've been statistically worse, on both ends of the floor, with Herro in the game. Overall, Miami is just 12-16 in games that Herro has played in this season.
The stats may not tell the entire story of Herro, but this is pretty damning evidence about whether he deserves a long-term extension or not.
Entering this season, the Heat needed some clarity on Herro's future with the team. Even after earning his first All-Star appearance last season, the verdict was still out on whether he deserved a huge extension from the Heat.
After this season, Herro just has one year left on his contract. As he did last summer, he'll be hoping to put pen to paper on an extension before the start of the season.
However, with everything the Heat knows about Herro (and his impact on the team), it's hard to envision how they can sign him to an extension in good faith.
Tyler Herro no longer is a good fit for the Heat
And that's not necessarily a knock on Herro as a person. He's a hard worker and has outperformed his draft position. He's been one of the better success stories for the Heat in recent history. However, with the existential crisis that the Heat are under, it just doesn't make sense to re-sign Herro at the moment.
He doesn't move the needle as much as the Heat need him to be, and this is a team that needs a generational shake-up of the roster.
Herro doesn't fit in their immediate plans, and it's time for the Heat to finally admit it. Miami entered this season with a big Herro question; they may finally have their answer.
There's a scenario where Herro plays an important role for a championship contender as a talented offensive mind. The Heat are just not that team. At this point, a divorce may end up being what's best for both parties in the long run.