The Miami Heat are cooking this summer, as they have already traded for former Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Now, Miami is one of the finalists in the running for LeBron James, which would be a massive addition for the franchise.
However, it is not guaranteed that Miami will be the team to sign James for his 24th season in the NBA. If the Heat miss out on James, DeMar DeRozan could make a lot of sense as another major addition.
“One thing is for sure, though, and it’s the fact that, in theory, this possible connection between DeRozan and the Heat has never made more sense than it does now,” AUCH’s Michael Saenz wrote.
DeRozan is widely viewed as a future Hall of Famer, which is exactly the type of veteran talent the Heat would love to add. Sports Illustrated’s Jeremy Brener believes Miami could be a strong landing spot for DeRozan.
“DeRozan has been linked to the Heat in the past when he has been a free agent, and this time is no different. The Heat are completely restructuring their roster after acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks in a blockbuster trade that forced them to send four players to Milwaukee. The Heat also lost Norman Powell in free agency to the Chicago Bulls, so they are in need of another shooting guard that can get his own bucket. DeRozan can fulfill that need as a starter for Miami,” Brener wrote.
DeRozan is a desired target for several contending teams around the league. If Miami is able to land him, it would be a major win heading into next season. The six-time All-Star is available after being released by the Sacramento Kings.
“The Sacramento Kings have waived DeMar DeRozan, the team announced Monday, making the six-time All-Star one of the top free agents on the market. DeRozan had a partial guarantee on his contract for next season, but he and Sacramento worked on his release to allow him to find a new home. Multiple contenders are expected to have interest in the veteran guard,” ESPN wrote.
Pairing DeRozan, Antetokounmpo, and Bam Adebayo would give the Heat another elite trio to build around. Additionally, if Miami is able to add Klay Thompson, as recent reports have suggested, it would put the franchise in an even stronger position for next season.
DeRozan has earned a little over $305 million in NBA contracts throughout his career. The Heat have already made a major move this summer, and they do not appear to be slowing down.
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