Even though it's probably the right decision, embracing a "gap" year is not going to do much to accomplish the Miami Heat's biggest issue as they continue to find themselves in the nightmare that is mediocrity. And unless they're willing to accept the reality that they must be willing to part ways with Tyler Herro, they may never be able to break out of this competitive lull.
This doesn't mean that the Heat can't be competitive or that they're going to be a doormat in the Eastern Conference this season. In fact, if things do fall the right way, there's a chance that the Heat could finish as a top 6 seed in the East this year.
But even if they do, there's no way the Heat will be competing for an NBA Championship this season. That's out of the question. Even in a perfect world, it's inconceivable that Miami will find itself in a position to do that.
The only way back to championship contention is by landing another superstar player, a No. 1 option that Bam Adebayo, in an ideal world, can play off of. Over the last couple of years, it's become abundantly clear that Herro is not that player.
The Heat have to part ways with Tyler Herro
And with a huge decision on his future on the horizon, it's probably in the best interest of the Heat and Herro to part ways. Because of the way the CBA is constructed, it would be increasingly difficult (and perhaps downright impossible) for the Heat to add a superstar-level player while also signing Herro to an extension of his liking ($40-plus million per year).
At the same rate, Herro deserves to get paid what he believes he's worth. So while it may be a dream of the Heat's to sign Herro at a discount, perhaps around the $35 million per year range, that's very unlikely to happen.
It just makes the most sense, both for the Heat and Herro, to part ways with each other. And the perfect time for that to happen may be now. Theoretically, the Heat could wait until next summer to let Herro play out his contract, but if they do, they're risking losing him for nothing.
Considering that's been somewhat of a big problem for the Heat, it would be prudent of them to try and get something, anything, in exchange for Herro before next summer. The real window the Heat should be focused on isn't the October window when Herro can be signed to an extension. Instead, they should be preoccupied with moving him between now and next year's NBA Trade Deadline.
