The Miami Heat are keeping a fan favorite in South Beach, as guard Dru Smith has agreed to a new three-year deal, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The move signals Miami’s continued trust in Smith’s potential, despite the injury setbacks that have limited his time on the court.
Smith, 27, has faced a tough stretch with injuries over the last two seasons, appearing in just 23 games with one start. He was sidelined for most of the 2023-24 season with a torn ACL, and later missed much of the 2024-25 campaign after suffering a torn Achilles. These unfortunate injuries have kept him from finding consistency, but the Heat still see value in his skill set and resilience.
When healthy, Smith has shown flashes of being an effective role player. At the start of last season, he averaged 6.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game while shooting an impressive 50.8% from the field. His ability to play both ends of the floor and provide energy off the bench makes him an attractive depth option for Miami.
The Heat are optimistic that with proper recovery and training, Smith can return to full strength and contribute meaningfully. His versatility at the guard spot gives Miami flexibility in their rotations, especially as the team looks to maintain competitiveness in a challenging Eastern Conference.
For Heat Nation, this signing represents more than just a roster move—it’s a story of perseverance. Fans are eager to see Smith bounce back from adversity, and the organization’s commitment to him shows a belief that his best basketball may still be ahead.
