Six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan could be a fallback option for the Miami Heat if they can’t complete a Kevin Durant trade soon.
The ongoing Jimmy Butler drama sucked all the potential from the 2024-25 Heat. When he was finally traded earlier this year, the return was not of equal value, and it played a key role in why the team had its first losing season since 2018-19. But Miami is expected to be aggressive in upgrading the roster this summer.
- Demar DeRozan stats (2024-25): 22.2 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 4.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 33% 3PT
One player who is often linked to the franchise is Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, it is far from a lock that the Greek Freak will ask out and actually hit the trade block this summer. Furthermore, they reportedly are a top suitor for Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant. They are allegedly one of the teams he prefers to go to. But thus far, their offer has underwhelmed the Suns.
Earlier this week, Mike Scotto of Hoops Hype reported that Golden State Warriors restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga is one player they could target in the weeks ahead if they fail to land Durant or Antetokounmpo. However, another report suggests a more proven player could be on the Heat’s wishlist as well.
“I’d say at this point, everything I’m hearing behind the scenes is that there is still interest in DeMar DeRozan from the Miami Heat,” NBA insider James Ham said on ESPN Radio’s Sacramento affiliate. “Especially if they miss out on Kevin Durant… If they don’t end up with Kevin Durant, they are still looking for that scorer that they lost when they traded Jimmy Butler.
“I think the DeMar DeRozan situation will be revisited. And I think they have plenty of things that are of interest to the Sacramento Kings.”
- DeMar DeRozan contract: Three years, $73.8 million
Ham believes a deal that includes players like Duncan Robinson, Andrew Wiggins, and Jaime Jaquez Jr., along with their pick at 20 in this month’s draft, should get a trade done. While he is exiting his prime, DeRozan is still a gifted scorer. And would fit nicely into Erik Spoelstra’s system.
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