Miami Heat considered favorites to land Bulls star

The Miami Heat are considered the favorites to land DeMar DeRozan if the six-time All-Star and Chicago Bulls decide to part ways, according to one sportsbook.

According to odds set by BetOnline, the Heat are 2-to-1 favorites to be DeRozan’s next team if he is to move on from the Bulls. Behind the Heat are the Lakers (3-to-1), Knicks (5-to-1), Grizzlies (6-to-1), Kings (8-to-1) and 76ers (9-1).

Although the Bulls have played well enough to move back into the East playoff picture after a slow start, they could still decide to trade or even agree to a buyout with DeRozan before the trade deadline. DeRozan, 34, has one year remaining on his contract worth $28.6 million.

DeRozan is averaging 22.2 points on 45.6% shooting, 3.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists. This would be his 11th straight season averaging at least 20 points per game.

Last month, The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported that if the Bulls do trade DeRozan, he prefers to be sent to the Heat or Knicks.

The Lakers reportedly showed interest in DeRozan before acquiring Russell Westbrook in the summer of 2021.

Is DeRozan to the Heat really possible?

While DeRozan would add some needed juice to Miami’s offense, he’s not a great fit next to Jimmy Butler or Bam Adebayo. When considering additions, the Heat need players who either space the floor or defend at a high level – preferably both – and DeRozan (a career 29.3% 3-point shooter) does neither of those things.

Trading Kyle Lowry’s expiring contract for DeRozan’s would only leave the Heat with more holes to fill – even though DeRozan is the superior talent at this point. 

The Heat would not trade Tyler Herro in a deal for DeRozan and Duncan Robinson, who has re-emerged as an essential offensive player for the Heat this season, might be off the table in those negotiations, too.

If there’s a scenario in which DeRozan coming to Miami makes sense, it might be via buyout. Still, the Bulls agreeing to that seems like a long shot at this point, and the Heat would have to create space under the tax in order to sign him. In other words, it would be complicated.

So even though the Heat are the betting favorite according to one sportsbook, it doesn’t mean it’s going to happen.