MIAMI – The Miami Heat kept Dru Smith in the fold. The guard signed a three-year, $7.9 million deal this week. His average annual value checks in at $2.6 million. That is less than half of what Haywood Highsmith will earn in 2025-26 ($5.6 million). Miami traded Highsmith to escape the luxury tax. Smith’s re-signing provided savings while maintaining depth. But his path to this contract has been anything but smooth. In fact, you could argue Dru Smith is the unluckiest player in the NBA.
Recently Rewarded Heat, Dru Smith Is the Unluckiest Player in the NBA
A Brutal Timeline
Smith’s career has been defined by resilience through injury. He tore his meniscus in 2021, then missed months after surgery. He finally signed a two-way with Miami in 2022. That deal came after several stints of being waived.
Momentum never lasted long. In November 2023, Smith tore his ACL. Just over a year later, he ruptured his Achilles. Few guards can survive even one of those setbacks. Smith endured both in back-to-back years.
Miami Heat guard Dru Smith has suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon, sources told ESPN. Absolutely devastating after the two-way guard made a tremendous recovery from a torn ACL just over a year ago to the Heat’s rotation now and was on cusp of a standard NBA contract. pic.twitter.com/gD7gtWG14b
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 24, 2024
Yet, he never stopped working. Rehab dominated multiple summers. By August 2025, Miami rewarded his persistence with stability: a standard three-year contract.
Defensive Impact Hints at Value
The Heat are not paying for past numbers. They are betting on future impact. In just 14 games last season, Smith showed defensive promise. Lineups with him allowed 6.4 points fewer per possession. That figure ranked in the 91st percentile.
BEST DRTG By A Player (Min. 10 GP, 15 Mins):
1) OKC Player
2) OKC Player
3) OKC Player
4) Dru Smith ()
5) OKC Player
6) OKC Player
7) OKC Player
8) OKC PlayerOnly non-OKC player in the top 8 in the league. I miss Dru
pic.twitter.com/mLjutr42CR
— 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐝
(@TwoWayDav) February 23, 2025
Still, the sample is tiny. Smith has played in only 38 career games across three seasons. Calling him proven would be a stretch. But calling him intriguing? Absolutely.
Why Miami Took the Gamble
The deal works financially. Smith’s contract is modest and tax-friendly. Miami shed Highsmith’s $5.6 million salary for 2025-26. That maneuver allowed the team to slide under the tax line.
On the floor, Smith gives them a defender with upside. If he stays healthy, the Heat may have found value. If not, they at least rewarded loyalty and perseverance.
A New Chapter for Dru Smith?
Every roster has stories of perseverance. But few rival Smith’s journey. Torn meniscus, ACL, and Achilles — yet still standing. Miami’s belief makes sense financially. It may also pay off competitively.
For now, though, Dru Smith remains the unluckiest. Injuries defined his first three years. His next three will decide if that label finally fades.
© Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
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