The Miami Heat have yet to make a major move this summer, but league insider Jovan Buha says they are on the verge of their first big signing. Apparently, the Heat are in the lead for DeMar DeRozan and they are considered the heavy favorites right now.
“The Lakers aggressively pursued Klay Thompson, but Thompson turned down their offer of more years and money from the Lakers to join the Dallas Mavericks, according to league sources,” wrote Jovan Buha. “They’ve now turned their attention to DeMar DeRozan, though the Miami Heat are currently viewed as slight favorites to land the 15-year veteran and six-time All-Star, according to league sources.”
The Lakers have been involved in every major transaction this summer but it seems the situation with DeRozan does not involve them at all. Instead, he’s looking to join another team with hopes of making a title run at the tail end of his career.
DeRozan, a 15-year veteran, has previously played for the Raptors, Spurs, and (most recently) the Chicago Bulls. He played well for each team and provided key shot-making in the backcourt. In the 2023-24 campaign, he averaged 24.0 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game on 48% shooting.
But with the Bulls on the verge of a rebuild, DeRozan isn’t keen on sticking around and the trade of Alex Caruso is being described as the “final nail in the coffin” for any future they might have had together.
“A source told the Sun-Times late Sunday night that the Alex Caruso-Josh Giddey trade was the final straw in DeRozan’s mind for any sort of return,” wrote Joe Cowley, “As the 34-year-old will now use his free agency to shop elsewhere.”
DeRozan’s place on the roster has come into question and many are doubtful that he’ll be there for much longer. They’ve already traded Alex Caruso and it’s well-known that they are looking to trade Zach LaVine as well after a year-long scandal made it clear he no longer wants to be there.
The Heat don’t have much assets to spare but if they’re willing to give up somebody like Caleb Martin or Haywood Highsmith, along with some picks, it could be enough to win out the sweepstakes and bring DeRozan to Miami. The NBA swingman is a proven veteran with a superior work ethic, solid playoff experience, and a guy who can do more than just one thing on the court.
Alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, DeMar could be at his best and his scoring would provide an immediate relief to a team that’s desperate for offense. Since the Butler era, the Heat have always been underwhelming in the scoring department but having a wing player like DeMar who can score at all three levels will surely help them put more points on the board.
Unfortunately, the Heat really only go as far as Jimmy goes. No matter who else is on the roster, Butler is their leader and tone-setter both on and off the court. His two-way game, work ethic, and relentless play style help give the Heat their world-renowned identity as a franchise with discipline, ambitions, and the highest standard in the league.
If they can pull it off, DeRozan will lust be their latest move to stay at the top and it remains to be seen how effective it will be. Regardless of the results, however, one should never count out the Heat given their players and the never-quit culture that keeps them alive no matter what.
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