Since the Miami Heat were unable to sign either Damian Lillard or Jrue Holiday over the offseason, they must rely on their depth to step up around Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Tyler Herro. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, The Heat recently made two significant decisions on a couple of preseason standouts ahead of the 2023–24 season.

“The Miami Heat are signing guard Dru Smith to a multiyear standard NBA contract and converting wing shooter Cole Swider on a two-way deal, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium,” Charania reported.

Heat sign Dru Smith

Smith, 25, performed well in the preseason. He received an opportunity, playing in 23.6 minutes per game, and impressed overall. Smith has averaged 6.5 points, 1.8 steals, and a team-leading 5.3 assists per game in the 2023 preseason. He still needs to work on his shooting efficiency, but Miami clearly liked what they saw from the young guard.

Smith’s presence on the roster will provide valuable depth.

Cole Swider gets a two-way deal

The Heat ultimately converted Swider on a two-way deal. He is another standout who has averaged 11.2 points per game in just 19.8 minutes per contest in the preseason. Swider has posted a 37.1 three-point percentage as well.