According to agent Daniel Hazan, who spoke with Hoops Rumors and Chris Haynes of NBA on Prime, the franchise had been monitoring the seven-year veteran closely throughout the offseason. While the precise financial terms of the preseason agreement were not initially disclosed, league reports indicate the arrangement is structured as a non-guaranteed camp deal designed to eventually place Smith with Miami’s G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce, via an Exhibit 10 contract structure.
Roster Machinations and G League Pathway
Operating near the 21-player offseason roster limit, the Heat have utilized training camp invitations to seed and support their developmental pipeline. Under an Exhibit 10 contract structure, a player can earn a bonus of up to $91,000 if they spend at least 60 days with the organization’s G League affiliate. Because of his extensive seven-year NBA service, Smith is not eligible for a standard two-way contract, making the G League affiliate pathway a strategic mechanism for the franchise to retain his rights within their system.
Smith finished the previous campaign with the Sioux Falls Skyforce after joining the affiliate last January. Over 21 games with Sioux Falls, he averaged 8.2 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.8 rebounds in 25.7 minutes per contest while shooting 39.8 percent from the field. His professional journey also included a stint with Real Madrid during the 2024–25 campaign, alongside earlier G League appearances with the Wisconsin Herd.
Evaluating the Fit in Miami’s Backcourt
Originally selected ninth overall in the 2017 NBA Draft out of N.C. State by the Dallas Mavericks, Smith has played for multiple franchises throughout his career, including the New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, Portland Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets, and Brooklyn Nets. Across 326 career NBA appearances, which include 152 starts, the 28-year-old guard holds averages of 9.7 points, 4.2 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game.
Over the course of his career, scouting reports have highlighted his explosive athleticism, improved decision-making, and strong perimeter defense, though his outside shooting efficiency has remained a point of inconsistency with career splits of 40.7 percent overall and 29.8 percent from beyond the arc. The Heat currently navigate minor backcourt uncertainties heading into the regular season, with Davion Mitchell projected as the opening point guard and Dru Smith serving as a primary reserve option alongside two-way player Tre Donaldson.