The Miami Heat will start the 2025-26 season without their leading scorer, Tyler Herro, who recently had surgery for posterior impingement syndrome in his left foot and ankle. This injury is expected to keep him sidelined for approximately eight weeks, which means the team will miss his impressive career-high average of 23.9 points per game from last season. Despite this significant setback, key players within the organization are pointing out some unexpected benefits resulting from his absence.e.

Star center Bam Adebayo addressed the situation, emphasizing the positive shift in team dynamics. He stated, “Uh it’s more dynamic than than uh a negative. uh when when you go into situations where everybody feels involved, everybody know they’re going to touch the ball on uh just random plays where they can just there’s no set play. So you everybody’s loud. If we swing it, he can drive or shoot it and then we move from there. But you know, I feel like it’s more of a positive than a negative.” This perspective suggests a more distributed and unpredictable offensive approach without a primary ball-handler.

Newcomer Norman Powell echoed this sentiment, explaining how the absence of a traditional point guard could benefit the team’s style of play. He noted, “Um I think uh it it’s an adjustment, but I think it’s honestly um better for us, you know, because you can’t really scout and figure out who’s bringing the ball up. Um you know, we’re playing in a lot of random open offense reading defenses and and seeing what they’re giving us rather than having a set play. I feel like when you have like a true point guard, uh, somebody that’s ball dominant like Chris Paul or James, um, you know, it’s more them dictating the action action and getting guys where they need to be and a lot of pick and roll.

He also doubled down on the team’s current offense, quoting, “Um, with this offense, you know, um, it keeps defenses off balance because they don’t know what we’re going to do. And I think it plays to our versatility more with guys like Bam, Yoki, uh, Nico, um, uh, me, Wigs, whoever gets the ball, we can push it, um, and get out and start our offense and start to break. you know, we’re planning to play a lot faster than they did last year, and I think we’re doing a great job with that.” Powell believes this system leverages the team’s collective versatility and speed.

Herro’s surgery was performed after he attempted non-surgical treatments, such as platelet-rich plasma and cortisone injections. From his hospital bed, he posted on Instagram, “I’m going to tear the league down once I get off this weak bed,” expressing his determination to make a strong return.

His injury makes him eligible for a contract extension if a deal is agreed upon by October 20. Analyst Bill Simmons pointed out that Herro was the focal point of the Heat’s offense during critical moments last season, suggesting that his absence could pose challenges for the team in late-game situations. Miami faces a tough early-season schedule, with 12 playoff-caliber opponents in their first 15 games. However, there are rumors that Herro may not receive an extension after all. On that note, let’s delve deeper into the contract situation.

Tyler Herro’s troubles may not end with just his injury

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro is facing a pivotal moment in his career as Monday’s contract extension deadline approaches. The 25-year-old shooting guard, coming off his first All-Star season, finds himself in a difficult position as the Heat appear unlikely to offer him a new deal before the cutoff. This decision comes despite Herro having established himself as the team’s leading scorer and one of its most productive players.

League sources indicate the Heat and Herro’s representatives have held discussions, but no formal offer has been made. Herro is eligible for a three-year extension worth up to $149.7 million, but the organization prefers to evaluate his performance further before committing long-term. The deadline for this specific extension window falls on Monday, just before Miami’s regular-season opener against Orlando.

Herro addressed the situation during Media Day, stating, “It is important for me. I’ve been here six years. I feel like I’ve earned it. I’m not saying what I’ve earned, but I’ve earned something. I think I deserve it, and I want to be here ultimately.” He emphasized that he wouldn’t let the negotiations affect his play, adding, “I’m not going to lose my joy. I’m excited to play.” The guard also revealed he’s not insisting on a maximum contract, saying, “It’s not that important to me. Being here is important, but being here at a respectable number.”

The timing is complicated by Herro’s recent ankle surgery. If no extension is reached by Monday, Herro becomes eligible for a larger four-year, $206.9 million extension next offseason. He could also qualify for a supermax deal worth $380 million over five years if he makes an All-NBA team this season.

The Miami Heat’s cautious approach reflects their broader financial strategy. The organization is among several teams planning for the potentially stacked 2027 free agent class, which could include stars like Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Stephen Curry. Herro still has two years remaining on his current contract, paying him $31 million this season and $33 million next season. Any extension would begin in the 2027-28 season.