The Miami Heat signed Dru Smith after trading Haywood Highsmith to the Brooklyn Nets as part of a move to play smaller and manage luxury-tax exposure. The roster adjustment allowed the team to lower payroll without cutting salaries and to retain flexibility through the 2025-26 season calendar. The signing signals a deliberate preference for players with high defensive intensity and a slower development timeline for rookie Kasparas Jakucionis. The active rotation lacks conventional size, with just three players 6'9" or taller and only two true centers, pushing the team toward guard-heavy lineups.
The biggest one: Head coach Erik Spoelstra is planning to play small. Potentially really small. Yes, the Heat went from (an injured) Highsmith to bringing back Smith in part because it fit with their plan to get under the luxury tax. They also didn't need to cut payroll. They have until the end of the 2025-26 season calendar to shave dollars and cents off the bottom line.
The sheer amount of talent among those who exclusively soak up guard minutes demands the Heat favor smaller lineups as well. Tyler Herro (6'5") and Norman Powell (6'3") are their two more important offensive players. Davion Mitchell (6'2") is their most important perimeter defender. Dru Smith (6'3") presumably isn't returning to collect dust, and typifies Coach Spo's penchant for disrupti
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