The Miami Heat are in a solid spot and look ready to dodge the dreaded Play-In Tournament this season. As of February 23, 2026, they’re holding the No. 7 seed in the East at around 31-27 (.534), tied with the Philadelphia 76ers. They’re just 3.5 games back of the Toronto Raptors for No. 5 and 5 games behind the Cleveland Cavaliers for No. 4—a gap that’s very much bridgeable with their current momentum.
Nov 12, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) celebrates with guard Terry Rozier (2) in the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Miami’s surge has come from strong contributions by young, cost-effective talent: Pelle Larsson, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware, and Kasparas Jakucionis (2025 draft pick) are stepping up big on rookie/second-year deals. In the veteran group, Andrew Wiggins and Norman Powell are outperforming their contracts with elite defense, scoring, and leadership.
But when it comes to underperforming value this season (excluding Terry Rozier, who’s sidelined entirely amid off-court issues at $26.6M), one name stands out: Tyler Herro.
Herro—the former All-Star, Sixth Man of the Year, 3PT champ, and consistent 20+ PPG scorer—is earning $31 million this year (second-highest on the team). The issue isn’t talent, leadership, or intangibles—it’s availability. He’s appeared in just 13 games (~22% of the team’s schedule) due to a string of injuries: offseason ankle surgery (missed first 17), a toe contusion, and most recently, three fractured ribs (buckle fracture from Jan. 10 vs. Pacers). He needed over a month off and a custom flak jacket to protect the area upon return.
Fans were frustrated by unclear injury updates, but it’s clear Herro wants to play and be there for his teammates. Still, at that salary, missing this much time is unacceptable.
Since returning (Feb. 20 onward), Herro has thrived off the bench in blowout wins: totaling 38 points + 9 assists + boards across two games, scoring at all three levels with efficiency. He’s embracing the role: “I’m coming off the bench right now… I’m comfortable in my role and in myself and I’m happy where I’m at.”
Fun fact: Herro leads all-time PPG off the bench (min. 100 games) at 16.6 PPG, ahead of legends like John Drew and Kevin McHale. Spoelstra’s staggering of Herro and Powell has been lethal.
Herro’s offensive skill set remains elite—he’s a weapon who can swing playoff series. The only question: Can he stay healthy the rest of the way? If yes, he can redeem his contract’s value and prove he’s worth every penny. If not, pressure mounts for role changes or potential moves (with $33M due in 2026-27).
The Heat are at a crossroads: Youth + value vets are carrying them, but a healthy Herro elevates them to true contender status. Spo trusts him, and fans should hope the “Boy Wonder” finishes strong.
What do you think? Can Tyler Herro salvage his contract value if he stays healthy for playoffs? Or should Miami consider moving him? Drop your takes below!