So much for a quiet offseason in Miami, while the rest of the city was chilling, the Miami Heat front office kept busy. No Kevin Durant. No splashy signing. Just Pat Riley, pacing in his office, looking for the next move. And now? There’s some smoke rising around DeMar DeRozan.
Yep. That DeRozan. The midrange expert. The guy with more footwork than a dancer. According to Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley, the Miami Heat could be a real landing spot for the six-time All-Star.
“DeRozan won’t hold the widest appeal,” Buckley wrote in a July 4 column, “but win-now shoppers seeking more half-court creation and scoring won’t find many better alternatives… Landing spot: Miami Heat.”
DeMar DeRozan Could Be A Fit That Might Actually Work
The Heat missed out on big names earlier in the summer. Now, they’re scanning the league for someone to ease the load on Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. DeRozan makes a lot of sense. He’s a bucket. Always has been. And Miami? They need one.
Herro can’t carry all the scoring and playmaking weight. Jimmy Butler isn’t getting younger. And Erik Spoelstra’s system thrives when there’s a guy who can make things happen late in the shot clock. DeRozan fits that mold like a glove.
Last season, DeRozan quietly had another strong year in Sacramento. He averaged 22.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists across 77 games, while shooting nearly 48% from the field. Not flashy, but brutally efficient. Plus, his current deal, a three-year, $73.8 million contract, makes him a more realistic trade target.
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The Heat aren’t just looking at DeRozan either. According to The Stein Line Newsletter, Miami also has its eyes on Utah forward John Collins. Jake Fischer noted that the Heat have “a clear need on the wing” and see Collins as a strong fit.
Meanwhile, AP’s Tim Reynolds reported the Heat are “expected to have interest” in Damian Lillard, who is recovering from a torn Achilles. But that’s a long-term bet. DeRozan? He’s ready to roll now.
There’s no telling if Miami pulls the trigger. But Riley isn’t sitting still. If DeRozan lands in South Beach, he won’t just bring midrange magic. He could be the veteran spark this Heat roster desperately needs.
Also Read: DeMar DeRozan Reveals Why He’s Never Touched Alcohol In His Life, And It’s Not What You’d Expect
