In the past decade, the Miami Heat have navigated some tricky waters with contracts that didn't quite hit the mark. From the post-LeBron era starting in 2014, we've seen deals with players like Josh McRoberts, Tyler Johnson, James Johnson, Dion Waiters, and Hassan Whiteside that didn't pan out as hoped. More recently, investments in Kyle Lowry and Duncan Robinson have raised eyebrows.
Now, not every situation is straightforward. Some players were brought in based on previous successes and then faced injuries or a decline in performance.
Others were homegrown talents the Heat believed in a bit too early. While some, like Whiteside, Lowry, and Robinson, had their moments, they didn't quite justify the hefty contracts.
Every front office faces hits and misses. The challenge with the misses is the cap space they consume-space that could be better spent on immediate-impact players. Unfortunately, the current roster has its share of questionable investments.
Let’s dive into some of the more pressing financial missteps:
1. Terry Rozier
Rozier's acquisition stands as one of the most regrettable in Heat history. Costing a first-round pick and tying up nearly $25-$28 million, Rozier hasn't played a single game this 2025-26 season due to off-court issues.
Even before these troubles, injuries, including a mysterious neck issue, hampered his performance. Once a 24-point-per-game scorer with the Hornets, Rozier never found his groove in Miami.
Thankfully, his contract is set to expire soon, freeing up valuable cap space.
2. Tyler Herro
Tyler Herro's four-year, $120 million extension in 2023 looked promising when he became an All-Star. Yet, his career has been marred by injuries, with only one consistently healthy season out of seven.
This year, Herro has played just 14 games, sidelined by a rib injury. His talent as a scoring threat is undeniable, but his availability remains a concern.
With free agency looming after the 2026-27 season, the Heat must weigh the risks of further commitment.
3. Nikola Jovic
Before this season, Miami extended Nikola Jovic with a four-year, $65 million deal, hoping for a breakout. Instead, Jovic is posting career lows and struggling on the court.
The Heat's investment was based on potential, but Jovic has yet to prove himself in terms of performance and health. Locked into this contract for the next four years, Miami can only hope for a turnaround.
In summary, the Heat's recent financial decisions have been a mixed bag. While some contracts have provided value, others have tied up resources that could be better used elsewhere. As the franchise moves forward, careful evaluation and strategic planning will be crucial to avoid similar pitfalls.