A $74 million NBA star has expressed a clear preference to join the Miami Heat rather than the New York Knicks or Boston Celtics, signaling a potential shift in the Heat’s offseason outlook.
Miami cannot afford another offseason without meaningful changes if they hope to return to being a serious contender in the Eastern Conference. However, their current roster situation and limited trade assets make it unlikely that they could pursue top-tier superstars like Kevin Durant or Giannis Antetokounmpo. As a result, the franchise may need to target a star player who comes with a more manageable acquisition cost.
In a recent piece by ClutchPoints, one proposal has the Heat pursuing Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan. The trade suggestion involves Miami sending Duncan Robinson, Terry Rozier, and Andrew Wiggins to Sacramento in exchange for the six-time All-Star. Rozier’s performance notably declined last season, and both Robinson and Wiggins have failed to deliver the impact needed to elevate the Heat to playoff contention.
The article emphasized team president Pat Riley’s reputation for bold moves during the offseason:
“Pat Riley consistently takes an aggressive approach in the trade market and is expected to be involved in any talks surrounding All-Star talent. It’s improbable that all three — Robinson, Rozier, and Wiggins — will remain on Miami’s roster when the 2025-26 season begins. DeMar DeRozan is once again drawing attention from teams, with Riley and the Heat seen as likely suitors.”
While DeRozan saw a modest dip in production last season, he still averaged an impressive 22.2 points per game on 47.7% shooting from the floor. His scoring presence would make him a key offensive weapon alongside Tyler Herro, freeing up Bam Adebayo to focus more on defense and facilitating rather than shouldering a heavy offensive load.
DeRozan could be the frontcourt star Miami needs to balance its roster and improve its competitiveness. However, the Heat aren’t the only team interested. The Los Angeles Lakers and Orlando Magic are reportedly in the mix for DeRozan as well, which could create a bidding war.
Ultimately, if Miami hopes to break free from its recent trend of offseason stagnation, acquiring a proven scorer like DeRozan could be the first step toward building a more formidable Eastern Conference contender.
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