(Mandatory Credit: Megan Briggs / Getty Images)
Over the last three seasons, the Miami Heat have invested so much in the development of guard Dru Smith, whom they have waived and subsequently brought back a handful of times.
Last year, albeit a small sample, we saw some of that development. However, Smith suffered his second consecutive season-ending knee injury in December. And while the Heat were able to offer the 27-year-old guard a two-way qualifying offer, a years of service caveat could end his Heat tenure prematurely.
Dru Smith can only sign standard contract with Heat:
In 14 games last season, Smith averaged 6.2 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.5 steals across 14 games, shooting 50.8 percent from the floor while knocking down 16 of his 30 3-point attempts (50.8 percent).
However, players who have more than three years of experience can’t sign two-way contracts — regardless if they receive the QO — unless they fit this criteria:
Four years of NBA experience
Didn’t appear in any regular season/playoff games during injured season (Smith played in 14)
Was on team’s roster for full season (Smith was not).
He’s signing a one-year two-way deal
The Heat have two of their three two-way spots filled with Vlad Goldin and Myron Gardner, who spent his last two seasons with the Osceola Magic (Orlando G-League) before playing with the Heat’s Summer League team.
Smith has played just 38 games in three seasons, averaging 4.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.1 steals in 14.7 minutes. On a per-75 possession basis, his numbers equate to 11.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.7 steals. He suffered a torn Achilles last December after tearing his ACL the season prior.
Miami has one roster spot available. The consequence for burning a standard is that it would eat up that last spot — while a two-way contract wouldn’t — for roughly $2.3 million (Smith would earn $2.4M, but would only count for $2.3M against cap).
The Heat are also the luxury tax by nearly $2 million — so they would have pressure to make a cost-cutting move (or two) by next February’s deadline to avoid repeater tax penalties, which become more punitive this year.
Would you add Smith to a standard contract? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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