SIOUX FALLS, SD — Dennis Smith Jr. may be finding a new home in the 605. The Sioux Falls Skyforce, the NBA G League affiliate of the Miami Heat, have expressed strong interest in signing veteran point guard Dennis Smith Jr., sources tell ScoopB.com.
This development comes on the heels of Smith being waived by the Wisconsin Herd on January 18, 2026, as the explosive guard looks to navigate his way back onto an NBA roster. Smith, a former lottery pick whose defensive tenacity has become his calling card, is widely viewed as a prime candidate for the Heat’s developmental pipeline, which has a storied history of refining veteran talent and turning G League standouts into high-impact rotation players.
The interest from Sioux Falls is a natural fit given the organization’s commitment to “Heat Culture,” a philosophy rooted in world-class conditioning and defensive grit—traits that Smith has prioritized in the latter half of his career. Since being selected 9th overall by the Dallas Mavericks in 2017, Smith has evolved from a high-flying rookie sensation into a lockdown point-of-attack defender. Sources indicate that the Skyforce see Smith as a veteran who can not only stabilize their backcourt but also serve as a potential call-up option for the Miami Heat, especially as the NBA’s 10-day contract window remains wide open for teams looking to bolster their depth for a postseason push.
Smith’s journey back to the Association has been a testament to his resilience, including recent stops with the Charlotte Hornets and Brooklyn Nets, a brief stint in Spain with Real Madrid, and a training camp return to Dallas this past fall. During his time with the Herd earlier this season, Smith showed he still has plenty in the tank, averaging 8.0 points and over 2 steals per game. As the Skyforce look to finalize their interest and potentially bring the North Carolina native into the fold, all eyes are on how Smith’s elite athleticism and veteran experience will mesh with the Heat’s winning blueprint.
