It doesn't appear as if the Miami Heat and Tyler Herro are going to agree to an early contract extension. According to ESPN, there have been no substantive talks between the two sides, and an extension before the October 20 deadline is considered "doubtful" at this point.
I suppose something could change between now and next week, but unless there's some serious traction over the next couple of days, it does look like both the Heat and Herro are going to kick this decision down the road. For both sides, that may not be the worst-case scenario.
Tyler Herro could get an even bigger payday
If Herro believes that he could have another All-Star season on the horizon, there's reason to believe that he could put himself in a position to get an even bigger payday next summer. Herro is eligible to sign a three-year, $150 million max extension right now. However, next summer, he'll be eligible to sign a four-year, $207 million extension.
While not getting an extension right now may seem like a loss for Herro, he'll have a chance to secure an extra $55-plus million should he wait to sign a max extension until the summer.
There's certainly some added risk to this move, but it could still end up paying off for Herro if he can put together another All-Star season.
Why this move makes sense for the Heat
For the Heat, it's pretty obvious why they may be in favor of holding off on an extension for Herro. For one, it gives them added financial flexibility heading into this season and next summer. Even though free agency is fool's gold at this point, the Heat could desire some financial relief. That's exactly what they seem to be prioritizing.
What Miami plans to do with this additional flexibility is anyone's guess, but it's certainly something that the front office is in favor of.
Additionally, it gives Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra the opportunity to see this roster through. Even though there are many who are not fond of this Heat roster, it's only natural for the front office to want to see what they have with this group of players.
You can't blame them for wanting them to see how this experiment plays out this season, especially in what is being considered a "gap" year.
Can Herro and the rest of this supporting cast play up to the high expectations of this franchise? If yes, then maybe there is reason to extend Herro to a big contract next summer. However, if the answer to that question is no, perhaps it may be time to explore other alternatives for how Herro's future in Miami ends.
Herro is unlikely to get a contract extension from the Heat right now. Could it point to something deeper about his long-term future with the team? Only time will tell.