The Miami Heat shouldn't overthink the big decision awaiting them on October 1. At least for now, the Heat can't give Tyler Herro the big contract extension he's going to be seeking. He's a really good player, but not a great one. And for the money he's going to be asking for, he'd have to be a great one before it becomes an overpay.
The Heat can't afford to find themselves in that situation, one that would all but trap them in NBA mediocrity for the foreseeable future.
Herro's Achilles heel has always been on the defensive end of the floor. His limitations on that end of the court are the biggest reason he's only considered a good player, and not a great one. It's difficult to question his offense at this point in his career.
He's exceptionally good on that end of the floor and has continued to get better over the last few years. Defensively, that's where the real issues lie. It's those same limitations that keep him from being a worthy No. 1 or 2 option for a championship team.
With Herro leading the way and getting paid anywhere close to $50 million per season, the Heat would not be in a place where they could build a championship-level roster. That's the biggest reason the Heat must pass on the decision to sign Herro to a contract extension now.
This may not be the end for Tyler Herro in Miami
Just because the Heat don't sign Herro to an extension now doesn't mean they can't sign him to one next summer. I think that's what has to be understood with this upcoming decision for the Heat. It's in the best interest of both Herro and the Heat to wait until next summer.
Miami would retain financial flexibility for a few more months, and Herro could continue to prove he's worth the big money he's asking for. And if both sides get some much-needed clarity, perhaps their paths could lead back to each other again.
But just because the Heat decides to kick the can down the road now doesn't necessarily mean that the end of Herro's tenure in Miami has arrived. For now, though, I'm not sure how the Heat can realistically, and in good faith, sign Herro to an extension. Even more so, considering he's currently dealing with another injury that will keep him out for the first month of the season.
With so much uncertainty revolving around their future, inking Herro to a big contract extension now would be extremely tone deaf from the front office.