The Miami Heat have been one of the most proud and respectful organizations over the last 30 years. But what Pat Riley and the rest of his supporting staff have helped build over the last few decades could be completely reversed if the Heat move forward with a rumored fallback option this offseason, one that would involve utilizing a future first-round pick to trade for DeMar DeRozan.
According to Sacramento Kings insider James Ham, there have been whispers across the league that the Heat could explore trading for DeRozan. One way that could help get them there would be utilizing the No. 20 overall pick in this year's NBA Draft.
In theory, these whispers aren't all that surprising. The Heat have been linked to DeRozan before. However, what's somewhat new about this rumor is the details and the fact that Miami may be willing to trade a first-round pick for the veteran guard. Theoretically, many assumed that the Heat would trade expiring contracts for expiring contracts if they pursued DeRozan. This is a much different scenario if they have to part ways with a first-round pick to get a deal done.
In many respects, if that is indeed the case, this is a path the Heat don't necessarily need to go down. And most fans would agree.
The Heat must avoid a move for DeRozan
DeRozan is not a player that would move the needle much for the Heat, and, at this point in his career, is probably not worth trading a future first-round pick for. This is one of those moves that the Heat could quickly end up regretting.
Even though DeRozan is not necessarily a bad player at this point in his career, he's also not a great theoretical fit next to Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. He would make the team's spacing worse and would not raise their ceiling much.
DeRozan is also a player who has notoriously struggled in the postseason and is going to turn 36 before the start of this upcoming season. If the Heat end up missing out on Kevin Durant, who they are reportedly still pursuing, they should probably pivot in a strong way to embrace a youth movement.
Whether they'd actually do that remains to be seen, and the whispers surrounding a possible pursuit of DeRozan seem to reinforce the idea that the Heat isn't interested in rebuilding by any means.
Miami has built its success largely in contrast to the philosophies of teardowns and rebuilds. However, trading for DeRozan would be a colossal mistake by the front office, one that would be very unpopular among the fan base.