DeMar DeRozan averaged 22.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists last season. (Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images)
Almost one year ago, the Miami Heat were allegedly in the hunt for DeMar DeRozan once again. DeRozan, coming off a strong season with Chicago, turned down a lofty extension before signing a three-year, $74 million deal with the Sacramento Kings in a three-team sign-and-trade.
The Kings cleaned house this offseason, firing general manager Monty McNair moments after getting eliminated in the play-in, eventually getting replaced by former Knicks executive Scott Perry. While Perry seemed reluctant to blow the whole ship up, Sacramento is expected to explore the trade market for the soon-to-be 36-year-old.
And the Heat is viewed as a potential target, according to ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel.
“It is highly unlikely that all three of Duncan Robinson, Terry Rozier, and Andrew Wiggins begin the 2025-26 season on Miami’s roster,” Siegel wrote. “DeMar DeRozan is once again viewed by other teams as a potential target for Riley and the Heat.”
The extent of the Heat’s interest is unknown, though it’s fair to assume that perhaps DeRozan could be a backup plan if they strike out on Kevin Durant–or any other stars that could be available–as a “last resort” option. This isn’t the first time they’ve reportedly inquired for the longtime veteran, and we know they circle back on players in the past–even if it’s nothing more than gauging interest.
DeRozan, 35, averaged 22.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists last season, shooting 47.7 percent from the floor, 32.8 percent from 3-point range and 85.7 percent from the free-throw line. The six-time All-Star led the league in minutes in 2023-24 while finishing top-3 in the newly formed Clutch Player of the Year award voting in back-to-back seasons (2022-24).
DeRozan will be on the books for $24.8 million next season with a $25.7 million partial guarantee in 2026-27, though there are $1 million in unlikely bonuses that Miami would have to account for in cap calculations.
Would you be interested in the 16-year veteran? Let us know in the comments below!
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