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Heat should steer clear of DeMar DeRozan if the latest rumors are true

The Miami Heat should avoid a desperate plan B move this summer.
ByBenjamin Henderson|
Apr 16, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10) looks on during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
Apr 16, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10) looks on during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images | Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

If the Miami Heat don't land Kevin Durant, there is some smoke they could go make a bid at Sacramento's DeMar DeRozan, according to James Ham of The Kings Beat. DeRozan has been with the Kings for just one season, but it appears they are willing to do a deal to ship away the six-time All-Star.

Dreaming big to land Durant makes sense if you are the Heat. Giving up anything you might need for the future to land DeRozan is borderline malpractice.

DeMar DeRozan is not the answer for the Miami Heat

The Kings have reportedly been telling agents ahead of the NBA Draft that they could be drafting in the 20s. The Kings currently don't have a pick in the first round, as their No. 13 pick is in the hands of Atlanta.

Hey, guess who has a pick at No. 20 in this year's NBA Draft?

So, if you put two and two together, then it makes sense that Miami is in the running to try and land DeRozan.

There is just the small detail that DeRozan offers minimal upside for a Miami Heat team that has far more problems than DeRozan can answer.

He is coming off a year where he averaged 22.2 points per game, and that is about it. He didn't even average four rebounds per game, and his assist total was his worst since 2017-18.

Add in the fact he has 24 career three-point shots made ever in 63 career playoff games for a guy who is going to turn 36 in August, and there is zero reason Miami should be giving up future assets to land DeRozan.

Because two years from now, once DeRozan's contract runs out and he is 38, Miami would, at best, be able to say they made the playoffs both seasons and maybe won a game or two rather than getting swept.

That is nowhere near the ceiling that Durant gives, and it is the type of deal we just got done poking fun at the Orlando Magic for pulling off.

Suppose DeRozan is the best available player, and Miami is forced to give up anything that might be useful two years from now. In that case, the Heat is better off taking a gap year in 2025-26, drafting a high-upside player at No. 20, and lining things up to take a run next offseason.

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