Tyler Herro may still feel some type of way about Jimmy Butler and how he handled last season. That's become pretty obvious after Herro took a somewhat subtle shot at Jimmy with his latest comments regarding an upcoming decision on a potential contract extension.
When asked about a new contract, Herro stole a phrase from Jimmy, stating that, unlike his former teammate, he "wouldn't lose his joy" if he and the Heat couldn't come to a contract extension agreement.
"I expect to get something done. I’m not going to lose my joy, I ain’t going to lose my joy… it’s not that important to me. "Tyler Herro on a contract extension
In fairness, Herro used that phrase in a joking manner, as Heat beat reporter Ira Winderman pointed out, but it is still interesting that he decided to go in that direction when answering the question.
Sure, in theory, there are many similarities between the situation Herro finds himself in this season compared to Jimmy last year, but it's clear that one still wants to be in Miami, and the other didn't.
That's probably the biggest reason why Herro isn't sweating what may or may not transpire in October.
Tyler Herro has a number in mind
All that fun stuff aside, what was most interesting about Herro's comments was the fact that he "expects" to get something done with the Heat, and that he has a number in mind. That should be considered the biggest takeaway here.
Sure, I'm sure the fans will eat up this idea that Herro took a shot at Jimmy with these comments, but I can't help but wonder what that "number" may be for Herro. The way he said it, it's probably not the max level. If so, that should help calm the nerves of Heat fans.
At the same time, it's almost certainly a raise. I'd imagine Herro's preferred number is probably between $40-45 million per year. At that point, the onus would then fall on the Heat to accept or decline.
Declining that demand would equate to the Heat kicking this decision until next summer. That may not be a terribly bad decision long-term move for the Heat, but it would certainly add even more complexities (and more risk) to their future.
At the very least, it would open the door to a disastrous scenario in which Herro could leave next summer (after opting out of his deal) in free agency for nothing. It's probably not an extremely likely scenario, but it would certainly be on the table if the Heat and Herro weren't able to agree to an extension now.
Either way, the Heat should feel fairly comfortable with whatever route they elect to take. This is not a potential Jimmy situation developing again. Herro has made that quite clear. Extension or not, Herro has vowed he won't lose his joy.
The Heat sure wished that would've been the case last year with Jimmy.