The Miami Heat are operating like a team that is looking to open up money for the future. That's not good news for Tyler Herro, who is hoping to lock up a huge contract extension from the franchise. And the Heat's latest move is another indication that they simply aren't that interested in a big extension for Herro.
Looking back at the Heat's recent moves, things don't look great for Herro's long-term future with the franchise. At this point, even the latest Haywood Highsmith trade could tip the Heat's hand on what the plan may be for the future. It revolves around clearing money to build their next contending roster, one that may not include Herro.
As NBA scribe Sam Vecenie notes, the Heat should be willing to re-sign Herro for similar money to what he's making now (roughly $30 million per season), but shouldn't go to a number he's probably expecting (closer to $40 million per season, if not more).
Tyler Herro deserves a huge extension
The fan base may not be willing to admit it now, but the big problem for the Heat is that Herro is probably worth the big extension. Coming off the best season of his career in which he made his first All-Star team, there's a strong argument to be made that Herro may, on paper, be worth the large extension.
However, when you factor in the possibility that Herro may have already hit his ceiling as a player and that there is significantly more risk than reward to pay him the contract he's going to be asking for, it's natural for the Heat to have some real hesitation.
Especially considering how they've been pretty land-locked in mediocrity over the last couple of years. You can't really blame the Heat if they came to the conclusion that paying Herro is not going to solve any of their long-term problems.
The Heat could push back a Herro decision
The good news for the Heat is that they don't necessarily have to make the big decision on Herro anytime soon. Even though he does become contract extension eligible on October 1, Miami could theoretically let him play out this season before deciding to give him a substantial contract extension or not.
They'd probably be playing with fire and take on much more risk, considering Herro would likely just test unrestricted free agency at that point, but it may be the best path forward for the Heat.
The Highsmith trade was a bigger long-term move than many are willing to let on, and it could spell bad news for Herro and his camp if they're hoping for an extension this summer.