No, it really isn't about destruction

The emphasis is not on the object but on everyone around the object; “no one shall make use of this.” When ḥerem objects are destroyed, the purpose of the destruction is to make sure that nobody can use it, but not all ḥerem objects are destroyed. Most notably, Joshua 11:12–13 reports that all of the northern cities were ḥarem, yet Joshua destroys only one of them (Hazor). Likewise, a field that is ḥerem is not destroyed but becomes the property of the priests (Lev 27:21). Destruction, when it occurs, is a means to an end.— The Lost World of the Israelite Conquest, 170

<idle musing>
You kind of get the idea that they want to make sure we don't keep thinking the ḥerem is about destruction, don't you? I'm getting there. This is the second time through the book because the first time I was mulling it around and had some questions—wasn't sure what to make of it. I'm still not, but I'm becoming convinced that ḥerem isn't about destruction.
</idle musing>