Could Tyler Herro receive a max contract?

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro struggled a bit as a rookie but improved as a sophomore. Now in his third year, he’s taken over as one of Miami’s most consistent players and late-game options.

Through 55 games this season, Herro is averaging 20.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game. The points and assists per game are both early career highs, while his shooting percentage has also improved to .442%. And he’s still ascending.

That’s good news for Miami, who will soon have to make a decision of Herro’s future. He’s in line for a rookie contract extension this coming summer and it may cost the Heat a pretty penny to retain him beyond the 2022-23 season.

Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report reports that rival executives and agents polled by B/R believe Herro may max out. That would mean a deal of five years and $184 million, but not everyone is sold on those numbers. Others anticipate the extension will be closer to Jaylen Brown’s recent deal — somewhere around the four-year, $106 million range.

Whatever the Heat ultimately decide to pay Herro — if anything — Miami’s front office will need to get a little creative. They’ll benefit from the extension not kicking in until after next season, but there will still be some financial issues to maneuver.

For Herro, the goal is simple: Continue to play well into the postseason and prove that he’s worthy of a big-money, long-term investment.