The Miami Heat are set to begin the 2025-26 season without one of their key players, Tyler Herro, as he recovers from foot surgery. The Kentucky product is expected to be out by the second week of November at the earliest, but his health might not be his biggest concern right now.
While he works his way back to the court, Herro is also waiting for a contract extension with the team that drafted him in 2019, creating uncertainty over his future in Miami.
Where Do the Heat and Tyler Herro Stand on Contract Extension Talks?
Head coach Erik Spoelstra redirected the conversation about the contract negotiations, emphasizing Herro’s recovery process instead of the financial details.
“The business part of it that’s between Tyler’s Agent and our front office,” Spoelstra said. “I’m encouraged by the progress he’s been making from a health standpoint and we’ll just keep on moving forward.”
Spoelstra also noted the team’s cautious approach to Herro’s return, suggesting they may need to protect the driven shooting guard from himself. “We also want to be smart about it because he’s a guy who loves to work, and we want him to be back out there,” Spoelstra added.
However, the organization’s caution may extend beyond his immediate health. According to our previous report, the Heat hesitates to offer him an extension. Despite Herro’s vocal desire to remain with the franchise, his injury history and defensive struggles might be significant concerns. Furthermore, with the Heat appearing closer to a rebuild than a championship run, the front office might have no choice but to consider trading key assets, including Herro and perhaps even Bam Adebayo.
Herro was previously eligible to sign a contract extension worth up to $149.7 million. He still has two years left on his current deal and is slated to make $31 million this season and $33 million next season. His next opportunity to sign an extension will open on July 1, 2026, at which point he could be eligible for a deal worth up to four years and $206.9 million.
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This situation comes after Herro’s best season, in which he earned his first All-Star nod with averages of 23.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. As the Heat prepare to tip off their season with a road game against the new-look Orlando Magic, they face the challenge of competing without their primary scorer.
Ultimately, this upcoming stretch without him could go one of two ways for Miami. It might make Herro’s importance to the team’s success all the more evident. On the other hand, it could also lead the franchise to realize that it’s time to blow up the roster, focus on the NBA Draft, and blow up the roster instead.
