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[Saba Sports News] The Miami Heat are expected to be active this offseason as they look to strengthen the roster around Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro. Team president Pat Riley is always working behind the scenes, on the hunt for star-caliber players—whether via free agency or trade—and DeMar DeRozan could be an ideal fit.
While big names like Kevin Durant or Giannis Antetokounmpo top Miami’s wish list, DeRozan might be the most realistic option, according to ClutchPoints‘ Brett Siegel. If the Heat miss out on a blockbuster, DeRozan could be the much-needed All-Star piece to complement their current core.
DeRozan’s availability has become more likely following a massive three-team deal that sent Zach LaVine to Sacramento, De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs, and multiple players—Zach Collins, Tre Jones, Kevin Huerter—and a first-round pick to the Bulls. The move reunited DeRozan with LaVine in Sacramento, but the Kings’ direction remains murky.
Sacramento feels stuck in place. Despite reaching the play-in tournament, they haven’t made meaningful progress. Fox carried the franchise but grew frustrated with the lack of upward momentum. While DeRozan and LaVine are both All-Star talents, they haven’t shown the ability to consistently lead teams deep into the postseason the way Fox has.
That raises the question: will the Kings fully commit to a rebuild and move not only DeRozan and LaVine, but also Domantas Sabonis?
Siegel reports that any Heat trade for DeRozan would likely involve Duncan Robinson, Terry Rozier, or Andrew Wiggins, plus draft picks. At least one of those players would be required to get a deal done.
If there’s one thing history has shown, it’s never to count out Pat Riley. With his track record of landing stars—from Shaquille O’Neal to LeBron James and Chris Bosh—Riley knows how to swing for the fences. A deal for DeRozan could be the first step toward putting Miami back in the thick of the Eastern Conference race.