As the Miami Heat focused on restarting the season after the All-Star break, some business was done with the team, giving an undrafted standout a standard contract. Although the Heat are dealing with an inconsistent season, some standout things have happened, one of which is a two-way player in Myron Gardner who has been rewarded for his efforts.
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Gardner and Miami have agreed to a standard three-year contract because he has played well as a two-way player. This contract now fills Miami's 15th roster spot, which could be the maximum spot for a team, although a two-way opening has been cleared.
The other two-way player spots have been filled by Vladislav Goldin and Jahmir Young, as Gardner has recently seen expanded minutes under head coach Erik Spoelstra, especially due to some injuries the team has suffered. Gardner has started four times for the team, averaging 11.0 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists, while shooting 55.2 percent from the field and 53.8 percent from three-point range.
In addition to his ability on the court, Gardner is known for the physicality, personality and energy he brings to the Heat, with Norman Powell explaining how beneficial this has been to him.
"Myron is a character. I love Myron. He's always high energy, high octane," Powell told ClutchPoints on January 18. "He's always hitting and hitting you; it's always a positive energy, positive light that comes from him. I'm encouraging everybody. Everybody around him is laughing and joking. But when he steps out there, he's 125%, 150% every time. And we need that."
Asked Norman Powell about the influence of Myron Gardner:
"Myron is a character, I love Myron. He's always high energy, high octane... He's encouraging everybody, everybody around him is laughing and joking, but when he steps out there, he's 125%, 150% every time..." #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/2Ufy8RSgU1
- Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 18 January 2026
Heat's Bam Adebayo needs teammates like Myron Gardner
As Gardner continues to anchor the Heat throughout the remainder of the season, he is doing the same with the team's G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce. Active on the glass and making his presence felt, the 24-year-old has already earned respect from Miami, with captain Bam Adebayo emphasizing his important role.
"You need teammates like him, like throw him in the game, and he'll play as hard as he can. But when Myron checks into the game, you feel a difference right away," Adebayo said on Jan. 21.
Bam Adebayo on the "kid energy" that Myron Gardner has after a standout performance:
"I can't describe Myron, but you need teammates like him. Throw him in the game and he'll play as hard as possible.. When Myron checks into the game, you immediately feel a difference..." #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/h8RR8FaOqx
- Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 18 January 2026
At any rate, Gardner wants to be a part of helping the Heat turn their season around, which has them at 29-27, placing them in eighth place in the Eastern Conference as their next game is on Friday against the Atlanta Hawks.
