The Miami Heat chose not to waive guard Dru Smith before Sunday’s deadline, fully guaranteeing his $2.58 million salary for the 2026-27 campaign, a league source told The Miami Herald.
Smith was one of three NBA players with a June 28 guarantee date. He and Atlanta Hawks shooter Buddy Hield remain under contract at their full 2026-27 figures, while Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac was released before his salary became locked in.
The 28-year-old Smith has been in the Heat system for several seasons while overcoming a torn ACL in 2023 and a torn Achilles in 2024. Healthy at the start of 2025-26, he appeared in a career-high 70 games, averaging 5.6 points, 2.6 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals across 16.3 minutes per night.
Offensively, Smith shot 41.5 percent from the field and 29.5 percent from three-point range, but he provided steady ball-handling and strong wing defense. Among players with at least 50 appearances last season, he led the league with 3.2 steals per 36 minutes.
His contract also carries a $2.93 million team option for 2027-28, giving Miami another decision to make next offseason.
Source: Hoops Rumors
