Heat’s poor asset management continues to be showcased

The Heat developed undrafted success stories like Duncan Robinson, Caleb Martin, Max Strus, Gabe Vincent and Haywood Highsmith— all for them to leave for essentially nothing.
(Photo via USA TODAY Sports)

Haywood Highsmith’s trade to the Brooklyn Nets made him the final domino to depart from the Miami Heat’s undrafted assets over the years. They committed to developing each of Highsmith, Duncan Robinson, Caleb Martin, Max Strus and Gabe Vincent— who all became staples of coach Erik Spoelstra’s rotation amid several playoff runs.

The problem? All of them are now gone, with virtually nothing of value received in return.

Martin and Vincent both walked in unrestricted free agency for nothing (although a gamble from Martin wound up having him accept a worse contract offer than Miami’s). Strus was a sign-and-trade, which only netted the Heat a second-round draft pick, while he became a crucial starter for the top seed Cleveland Cavaliers.

More recently, Robinson was part of a sign-and-trade earlier this summer in return for Simmone Fontecchio from the Detroit Pistons. And then Highsmith was salary dumped to avoid the luxury tax for a worthless second-round pick.

So, the Heat’s last 5 most impactful undrafted players are now gone:

Martin
Vincent
Strus
Duncan
Highsmith

They’re leaning into the drafted ones now.

(But they all need to hit.)

— Five Reasons Sports 🏀🏈⚾️🏒⚽️ (@5ReasonsSports) August 15, 2025

Unfortunately for Heat fans, Pat Riley and the front office have done a poor job at asset management for years now.

In addition to those issues, they have yet to adjust to the modern era of deal making to bring in new talent to upgrade the roster, despite their rare hit on the discounted Norman Powell acquisition.

Highsmith’s trade was the final piece to walk out the door from their undrafted crew. There’s no question that the Heat have been successful in developing players, especially during the Jimmy Butler era. But to be invested in doing so, making players better, and witnessing them leave for nothing is a tough pill to swallow.

Considering the fact that Highsmith would’ve been a key contributor for Spoelstra’s depth this upcoming season makes it sting a little more. However, it opens up the ability to make a veteran minimum addition. Miami is currently at 13 players on standard deals, and need to at least have 14 to meet league requirements.

The silver lining comes with opportunities to open up for intriguing younger pieces like Nikola Jovic, Pelle Larsson and Jaime Jaquez Jr. to step up in the Heat rotation.

Heat’s poor asset management continues to be showcased

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