The Miami Heat have gained new competition for free agent wing DeMar DeRozan. That's a fairly alarming development, as the Heat are running out of options for high-level production and play this deep into free agency.
Thankfully, Miami remains the best option for DeRozan based on how he'd fit into their rotation and the role they could provide him with.
DeRozan recently turned 37, which creates at least some degree of skepticism in regard to how he'd fare in a high-volume role. Miami is short on isolation scoring options, however, which is likely why they're in pursuit of his services. For better or worse, they're not alone.
According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, the Denver Nuggets and Washington Wizards share the Heat's interest in acquiring DeRozan.
"The Wizards, meanwhile, shifted their intent to sign another veteran this offseason by showing some interest in DeMar DeRozan, pursuing the former All-Star swingman along with teams such as Miami and Denver."
Though Denver and Washington are interesting options for DeRozan to consider, Miami remains the best option for the All-Star wing.
Miami is a better option for DeMar DeRozan than Denver, Washington
Denver is a fascinating fit for DeRozan as a championship hopeful that could carve out a role for him as the team's sixth man. He could play off of a long list of strong shooters, as well as a three-time MVP who can generate clean looks for him.
Washington, meanwhile, has two All-NBA players in Anthony Davis and Trae Young, as well as an intriguing cast of up-and-coming talent to surround them with.
What Miami can offer DeRozan, however, is a chance to start alongside a two-time MVP in Giannis Antetokounmpo and an All-Defense mainstay in Bam Adebayo. More importantly: The Heat would realistically need DeRozan to play in a high-volume role as a scorer and facilitator.
In that role, DeRozan could play the closest thing to the style that made him a six-time All-Star—and would have ideal perimeter complements to help him do so.
Heat can offer DeMar DeRozan a far more familiar role
Davion Mitchell is a lockdown defender who can take pressure off of DeRozan on defense, while Andrew Wiggins is a high-level 3-and-D wing who can make life easier on both ends of the floor. Spacing would be a question for Miami, of course, but the opportunity would still exist for DeRozan to take on the high-volume scoring role no other wing is currently equipped to ideally handle.
Keep in mind: No current Heat wing averaged more than 15.4 points points per game. That certainly creates a sense of urgency to fill the void for a go-to perimeter scorer.
DeRozan certainly seems capable of doing so. Over the past two seasons, he overcame adverse conditions to average 20.3 points and 4.3 assists on 48.6 percent shooting from the field. If he can maintain that production in Miami, the entire offense would take a massive leap toward sufficiency.
Denver may look like a more realistic contender and Washington has been assembling talent, but it's Miami that can give DeRozan a role that he'd most easily recognize.
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