Even though Dru Smith has had a rough go-around with the Miami Heat, the hope was that he could still develop into a contributing player for the team. However, it does seem as if those dreams are now over. Because of one obscure NBA rule, Smith can only return to the Heat on a standard contract.
For a team that is looking to retain as much flexibility as it can, it would be surprising if the Heat decided to move forward with this idea. Even though Smith has shown some promise over the past two seasons, you'd imagine that the Heat would much rather have an open roster spot heading into the start of the season over Smith at this point.
Because of that, Smith has probably played his last minute in a Heat uniform.
The NBA rule that will prevent the Heat from signing Smith to another two-way contract states that no player can be signed or acquired to a two-way deal for more than three salary cap years. Smith has been a two-way player for the Heat in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Dru Smith has gotten the short end of the stick
If this is indeed the end for Smith in Miami, it'd be pretty disheartening. While making strides in his game, Smith never got a fair shake to carve out a significant role with the team because of injuries. Just when it seemed as if Smith could emerge as a consistent contributor for the Heat he was hit with back-to-back significant injuries.
During the 2023-24 season, Smith suffered a torn ACL that ended his season prematurely. After coming back strong from that injury, Smith unfortunately suffered a torn Achilles tendon this past year.
Over the course of his NBA career combined (three seasons), Smith has only appeared in 38 regular-season games, with the majority of them coming with the Heat.
The Heat should prioritize flexibility
While it may be easy to empathize with Smith's story, the Heat should still prioritize what's best for them moving forward. And, at least for now, that means retaining flexibility over not only having to cut salary (to remain under the tax line) and surrendering a guaranteed roster spot for the 2025-26 NBA season.
And the honest truth is that Smith has now proven himself enough to warrant a roster spot over other potential options. If the Heat truly wants to fill that final roster spot, it'd make much more sense to award it to a veteran sharpshooter like Alec Burks or even a backup big.
It simply didn't work out with Smith as his time in a Heat uniform is likely over.