The Miami Heat nearly traded Tyler Herro at this past year's NBA Trade Deadline. With the way things are currently trending, it's certainly something the Heat is hoping they can circle back to this summer.
At this point, it does seem as if Herro's future with the Heat has already been decided, especially if the stars do align for Miami during the offseason. It sounds like if the Heat have their way, they're going to trade Herro in the next few months.
Ideally, the Heat wants to use Herro in a deal for a star player (hopefully, Giannis Antetokounmpo). But even if that doesn't materialize, it does feel as if a Herro trade is coming, either way.
Tyler Herro is no longer an "untouchable" asset
Herro was one of the headliners of the proposed trade package the Miami Heat made for Giannis at this past year's NBA Trade Deadline, an offer that was "seriously considered" by the Milwaukee Bucks. That should lead many to believe that the Heat may finally be ready to trade Herro.
Or, at the very least, that he isn't considered an "untouchable" asset for the right trade target.
Heading into the offseason, the Heat will be laser-focused on trying to close the deal on a trade for Giannis. Miami reportedly came closer at the trade deadline, and they're widely expected to get another crack at the superstar forward.
While there's expected to be a much more robust market for Giannis in the offseason (compared to the trade deadline), the Heat still have to like where they stand compared to the rest of the competition. Especially because of their previous trade talks with the Bucks, the Heat has to be considered a potential suitor that may have a leg up entering negotiations.
Trading for Giannis will change everything for the Heat
And with how much is at stake for the Heat this offseason, everything and anything needs to be on the table. That will almost certainly begin with Herro.
Even though Herro should be considered to be one of the bigger Heat developmental wins in recent history, it's easy to see why Miami hasn't been in a rush to sign him to a contract extension.
The evidence this season has been pretty obvious that while he's a very good player, he's not exactly the best fit for the Heat anymore. Miami needs a superstar who can carry this team night in and night out. Paying Herro like one and hoping that he could grow into that role would be a massive mistake.
That's why the Heat should have no plans to do that.
But not signing Herro to an extension also means that his future has to be sorted out pretty quickly. And right now, especially if this latest rumor is true, it does appear as if that has already been decided.
The Heat will trade Herro. And, at this point, it feels like a matter of "when" and not "if."