The Miami Heat are set to embark on the 2025-26 campaign in a bit of a gap year. This isn't the worst thing in the world if the group can continue to develop, but it also means that many of the Heat subplots in the coming year are going to center around what those building block pieces should look like.
At the center of the debate is going to be Tyler Herro, who is still under contract for two more seasons with the Heat. But those that don't learn from the past are doomed to repeat it, and after the drama that surrounded the departure of Jimmy Butler, the Heat don't need a repeat of that with Herro.
Will the Heat show Herro the money?
ESPN noted back in June that Herro is eligible for a three-year, $149 million extension if he signs with the Heat prior to October 20. If the two sides wait until after the season, Herro is then eligible for a four-year, $206 million extension.
Herro himself has said that he wants to stay in Miami, and if he continues to develop, then one could convince oneself he is worth the money.
The problem for Miami, and what could make this situation get really complicated really fast, is that Herro simply isn't worth $50 million or more a year in his current state.
Yes, he was an All-Star in 2025, and at the $31 million he will make in 2025-26, he is a perfectly fine value.
But compared to the guys making $50 million or more, Herro still has a long way to go to prove he is that guy.
Either way, the Heat have to be willing to make a decisive move one way or the other and can't have a repeat of the Butler drama.
If the Heat are convinced that Herro is going to develop and want to make him the long-term centerpiece of the franchise, then sign him before October 20 and be done with it.
If the Heat are going to punt on giving the extension, and Herro stays the same player in 2025-26, they also need to be willing to make a trade at the deadline and get assets in return before Herro turns into damaged goods.
Either pathway has merit, but sitting on their hands and hoping the situation goes away can't be Plan A for Miami this year.