If Klay Thompson is currently the priority for the Miami Heat and they intend to wait that situation out, it could leave their pursuit of DeMar DeRozan in doubt. Add in the fact that DeRozan, according to recent reporting, may not be willing to settle for the veteran's minimum in searching for his next landing spot, and some real obstacles to an agreement with the Heat have certainly been revealed.
Per Heat writer Barry Jackson, not only does the Heat's priority to wait out the Thompson situation complicate a potential pathway to DeRozan, but the money situation will have an impact as well.
DeRozan reportedly would want a part of the Heat's remaining mid-level exception, which Miami may be saving for the off-chance they're able to sign Thompson (if he ever does find his way to free agency).
As Anthony and I (and Ethan) have noted, Klay is Heat priority. DeRozan likes Heat and there have been conversations in past 72 hours, but as we reported Saturday AT LEAST 1 member of Heat decision making group wants to wait, though DeRozan has admirers inside that key Heat inner… https://t.co/OR1M1iodi0
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) July 27, 2026
DeMar DeRozan may elect to move on if the Heat can't commit
Considering DeRozan likely has other offers on the table (and potentially at a higher number than the minimum), and the fact that the Heat may not be in a rush to finalize the rest of their roster (because they might be waiting for Thompson), the possibility of the slashing forward just moving on is only becoming more likely.
Historically, the Heat wouldn't have a huge issue with that. I can't imagine, especially after the big move for Giannis Antetokounmpo earlier this offseason, that the Heat are going to make a panic move. That's not in their DNA, and not necessarily something they've done in the past.
Even without any added shooting, the Heat likely believes they have enough to compete with the rest of the Eastern Conference. However, all that said, they also fully know that a move for Thompson could very well be the difference in the Heat emerging as a legit championship contender in year one under Giannis and not.
And if the Heat is firm in their belief that Thompson could end up being bought up before the start of the season, there's nothing that is going to keep them from patiently waiting to see if things play out that way.
Considering Thompson is rumored to be the Heat's priority, I can't imagine they'd punt that possibility away for DeRozan. For as much sense as he may make for the Heat, they clearly believe Thompson is the better fit.
If Miami believes he's worth the wait, it's hard to envision how DeRozan factors into the Heat's plans. Unless, of course, he's willing to play for the minimum, which, at this point, is doubtful.
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