The Miami Heat have had a relatively quiet offseason, but there’s still time for the team to make a significant addition before the 2024-25 season begins.
DeMar DeRozan, a star veteran who spent the last three seasons with the Chicago Bulls, is a free agent this offseason. According to recent reports, the Heat are considered “slight favorites” to land the six-time All-Star.
“The [Los Angeles] Lakers aggressively pursued Klay Thompson, but Thompson turned down their offer of more years and money to join the Dallas Mavericks, according to league sources,” wrote The Athletic’s 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.”
While this news is promising for those hoping to see DeRozan in Miami, a recent update from Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald highlighted some concerns.
During his time with the Bulls, DeRozan revitalized his career, earning two All-Star selections and one All-NBA nod in three seasons. He even finished 10th in the MVP race during the 2021-22 campaign.
Last season, he averaged 24.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game, shooting 48.0 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from beyond the arc. He appeared in 79 of 82 regular-season games and logged a league-high 37.8 minutes per contest.
Adding DeRozan would undoubtedly be a significant move for the Heat, but there are some potential downsides. At almost 35 years old, his fit with the team might raise questions. DeRozan is a career 29.6 percent 3-point shooter, and Miami already has two core players, Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, who aren’t known for their 3-point shooting, despite making strides in that area.
However, the Heat may need to make a bold move this offseason to stay competitive in the Eastern Conference. An imperfect addition might be better than no major addition at all.
DeRozan, who has also played for the Toronto Raptors and San Antonio Spurs, is seeking his first NBA championship. Meanwhile, the Heat are aiming for their first title since the Big 3 era.
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