Time To Remove Tyler Herro From Donovan Mitchell Or Any Other Player Trade Talks?

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro had a second straight strong game since returning from an 18-game absence because of a sprained ankle

Author:
Shandel Richardson
Dec 21, 2023 8:08 AM EST

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Miami Heat

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro was the center of trade talks for the past two offseasons.

First, it was Bradley Beal in the summer of 2022. Then Damian Lillard during last free agency. He's even still mentioned in speculation if the Cleveland Cavaliers decide to move Donovan Mitchell this season.

If the last two games are any indication, the Heat should simply hold onto Herro. He is coming off 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in Wednesday's victory against the Orlando Magic. This was after having 25 points, three rebounds and two assists Monday versus the Minnesota Timberwolves.

After an 18-game absence because of a sprained ankle, Herro is back on his redemption tour of showing he has potential to become an elite player in the NBA.

"The one thing that you can't discount or underestimate is his work ethic," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "Once he was able to start doing stuff on the court, then he starts pushing the envelope. He's relentless with his work. This is not something that just happened with talent. This was a lot of sweat equity behind the scenes."

Herro is averaging 23.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists on a team that features high-caliber players Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. If not for the injury, Herro would be on pace for his first All-Star season.

Perhaps it's just time to remove him from trade talks. He is proving he can contribute, maybe even in a lead role. What makes it more impressive is he's doing it despite missing so much time.

He's picked up right where he left off.

"I watched the two contact practices to ramp up for that [Herro's return to the lineup]," Spoelstra said. "Those were very intense for he and Bam. The second day was really good. And the fact he's been able to do court work the last two weeks, that helps. But this is a lot harder than he's made it look."