Dru Smith is coming back to Miami on a three-year deal worth $7.9 million. The Heat had to trade Haywood Highsmith to Brooklyn just to make room for him.
The first year of Smith’s contract is fully guaranteed, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.
“The Miami Heat are signing guard Dru Smith on new a three-year contract, sources tell ESPN. Smith has developed within the Heat program and has overcome season-ending ACL and Achilles tendon injuries in each of the past two years,” NBA insider Shams Charania reported.
Smith’s journey to this contract wasn’t easy. After going undrafted out of Missouri in 2021, he bounced between Miami’s G League team and their NBA roster.
At one point, the Heat actually let him go.
He landed with the Nets on a two-way deal, but that stint lasted just 10 games where he barely played, averaging only 9.1 minutes per game.
The 27-year-old guard eventually found his way back to Miami, but injuries have been brutal. Right when he was playing well at the start of last season, Smith tore his Achilles in December.
That limited him to just 14 games.
“Just In: The Miami Heat and Dru Smith have agreed to a 3-year, $7.9 million deal, league sources told @hoopshype. Smith averaged 6.2 points on 51% shooting and 53% from 3-point range with 1.5 steals in 14 games last season. Agents Aaron Reilly and Reggie Berry finalized the deal,” reported Michael Scotto.
What’s impressive is that Miami kept Smith on a two-way contract even when he couldn’t play. They clearly see something special in him.
That’s why they were willing to ship Highsmith to Brooklyn – it helped them stay under the salary cap while making room for Smith.
His shooting has improved dramatically over the past two seasons. Coach Erik Spoelstra has been giving him more minutes, knowing Smith’s shooting touch can be a real weapon off the bench.
Last season, Smith hit a career-best 50.8% from three-point range, though it was in limited action due to his injury.
With this signing, Miami now has 14 players on standard contracts, with just one spot remaining.
The big question now: Can Smith finally stay healthy next season and make the impact off the bench that the Heat clearly believe he’s capable of?
