Tyler Herro could play an underrated key role in the Miami Heat's pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo. According to Jake Fischer, Herro is already on the Milwaukee Bucks' radar.
I wouldn't go all the way to say that the Bucks are targeting Herro in the event they're forced to trade Giannis, but there are reasons to believe that he could, in fact, be a player they'd be open to taking on. And not necessarily just because they have to.
For one, Herro is a Milwaukee native. And even though some of that is generally blown out of perspective, there could be real value in the Bucks bringing back an All-Star player that would be embraced by the hometown fanbase.
Tyler Herro could be embraced by the Bucks fanbase
Herro is far from the perfect player, and the Bucks should absolutely prioritize future draft capital in trade talks for Giannis, but he's still just 26 years old and is coming off an All-Star season. Herro could give the Bucks a little intrigue to that initial team in a post-Giannis era. Even if it is just until the full rebuild begins to get off the ground.
Herro has certainly been plagued by injuries this year and has only appeared in 11 games. However, if it's any consolation, Herro has still been productive when he's been able to suit up this season. And, at this point, you can't help but wonder if he's been held out recently because of likely trade talks.
I'm not saying that with certainty, and that hasn't been reported, but it has to be a thought at this point.
Last season, Herro had the best season of his career, averaging 22 points, five rebounds, and three assists on 50 percent shooting from the field and 36 percent from 3-point range. He was also named to his first All-Star team.
His talent on the offensive end of the floor has never been a question. It's his defensive concerns that have prevented him from being a more influential player across the league. In the right system, there's no question he can be that All-Star level player again.
As the Bucks likely prepare for a season of uncertainty for the franchise, having an established player like Herro wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. And, you never know, maybe Herro does turn into something more for Milwaukee.
Or maybe he's just a bridge player.
Either way, despite the popular narrative online, there could be some benefit from bringing back a hometown player like Herro in the event that the Bucks do lose Giannis.
At this point, if the Heat are a serious landing spot for Giannis, you'd have to assume that Herro is going to be involved one way or another. And it may not be that bad of an idea if you're the Bucks.