Miami Heat’s Pursuit of DeRozan

DeMar DeRozan, a six-time NBA All-Star, has been a focal point of trade discussions involving the Miami Heat. Despite the Sacramento Kings acquiring DeRozan in a three-team sign-and-trade deal in July 2024, which also involved the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs , reports indicate that the Heat made a significant push to land the veteran forward.

The Miami Heat have long been in search of a third star to complement Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. DeRozan’s scoring prowess and veteran leadership made him an attractive target. However, the Heat’s efforts were hampered by financial constraints, particularly the difficulty in offloading Duncan Robinson’s contract, which is valued at $19 million annually through 2026 .

ESPN’s Bobby Marks highlighted that Miami’s inability to find a taker for Robinson’s contract was a significant obstacle in acquiring DeRozan. The Heat had limited assets to offer, possessing only one first-round pick and facing challenges in making salaries match under the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement

Fit and Potential Impact

An Eastern Conference executive described DeRozan as a “perfect fit” for the Heat, citing his mid-range scoring and playmaking abilities . DeRozan’s experience and skill set could have provided the Heat with an additional offensive weapon, potentially alleviating the scoring burden on Butler and Adebayo.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the potential benefits, there were concerns about DeRozan’s fit within the Heat’s system. Critics pointed out that DeRozan’s lack of three-point shooting could exacerbate the team’s spacing issues, especially alongside Butler, who also operates primarily in the mid-range. Additionally, DeRozan’s age and contract demands raised questions about the long-term viability of such a move .

While the Miami Heat’s pursuit of DeMar DeRozan ultimately did not materialize, the discussions underscore the team’s ongoing efforts to bolster their roster. The challenges faced in attempting to acquire DeRozan highlight the complexities of NBA trades, where financial considerations and team fit play crucial roles. As the Heat continue to seek opportunities to enhance their competitiveness, the lessons from the DeRozan pursuit may inform future strategies.