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3d ago

Heat Sign Dru Smith to Three-Year, $7.9M Standard Deal After Trading Haywood Highsmith

The deal fills Miami’s final standard-contract slot as part of its tax management strategy.

Dec 16, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Miami Heat guard Dru Smith (12) dribbles as Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) defends in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images/ File Photo
Miami Heat guard Dru Smith (12) dribbles the ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
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Dec 23, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Dru Smith (12) slips while dribbling the basketball against Brooklyn Nets guard Keon Johnson (45) during the second quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Miami traded forward Haywood Highsmith on Aug. 15 to reduce its luxury-tax burden before re-signing Dru Smith.
  • Smith agreed to a three-year, $7.9 million standard contract with only the 2025-26 season fully guaranteed, making him the Heat’s 14th player on a standard deal.
  • Rehabbing a torn Achilles suffered in December 2024, Smith’s availability for the Oct. 22 season opener remains uncertain.
  • The roster now lists 14 standard-contract players and two two-way signees, Vlad Goldin and Myron Gardner, after Josh Christopher and Isaiah Stevens departed.
  • The move exemplifies Miami’s strategy of converting homegrown talent into backcourt depth while navigating salary-cap and CBA constraints.