The Miami Heat’s pursuit of DeMar DeRozan has become more crowded, and the defining issue may not be money.
DeRozan has generated interest from the Heat, Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers and Washington Wizards, ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported, citing Shams Charania. The six-time All-Star is among the most accomplished players remaining in free agency after the Sacramento Kings waived him.
His $25.7 million expiring contract included $10 million guaranteed, which DeRozan received from Sacramento. That financial cushion could allow him to accept a team-friendly contract and prioritize fit, playing time or championship potential.
Miami can offer a credible path to contention. What it cannot necessarily offer is the starting role DeRozan has occupied for almost his entire career.
DeMar DeRozan Could Restore Miami Heat’s Scoring Depth
Getty DeMar DeRozan could fill the scoring void left by Norman Powell and Tyler Herro for the Miami Heat.
The Heat’s roster changed dramatically when they acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis from Milwaukee. Tyler Herro departed in that trade, while Norman Powell also moved on this offseason.
Those exits left Miami without two of its primary perimeter scorers. DeRozan could recover some of that lost half-court creation.
He averaged 18.4 points, 4.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds while starting all 77 games for Sacramento last season. Although he is no longer producing at his All-NBA peak, DeRozan remains a skilled pick-and-roll operator, midrange scorer and late-clock option.
His durability also distinguishes him in a thin free-agent market. DeRozan has appeared in 76, 74, 79, 77 and 77 games over the past five seasons. He turned 37 this week but has remained remarkably dependable during the latter stages of his career.
Miami could use that reliability behind Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, particularly during minutes when its two stars rest.
Sixth Man Role Could Determine DeRozan’s Decision
Tim Hardaway Jr. is currently projected to start at shooting guard alongside Davion Mitchell, Andrew Wiggins, Antetokounmpo and Adebayo.
DeRozan is unquestionably the more accomplished player, but Hardaway’s outside shooting makes him the cleaner fit in that lineup. Starting DeRozan would place another midrange-oriented scorer beside Antetokounmpo, Adebayo and Wiggins, potentially shrinking the floor and allowing defenses to crowd the paint.
Hardaway’s willingness to shoot from beyond the arc creates more driving room for Antetokounmpo and better balance around Miami’s frontcourt.
DeRozan could instead thrive as the Heat’s Sixth Man. His shot creation, playmaking and ability to draw fouls would give coach Erik Spoelstra a proven scorer to anchor the second unit. Miami could stagger his minutes with its stars and still use him to close games when matchups demand more offense.
Whether DeRozan would accept that arrangement is uncertain.
He has started 1,252 of his 1,264 regular-season games. His only 12 appearances as a reserve came during his rookie season. Moving to the bench would represent the most significant role adjustment of his 17-year career.
Denver and Cleveland can also offer postseason ambitions, while Washington may provide a clearer route to starting and commanding more touches. Miami’s hard-cap position limits its ability to separate itself financially.
The Heat’s best pitch is opportunity: help organize the offense, lead the reserves and chase a championship alongside Antetokounmpo and Adebayo.
For DeRozan, the decision may come down to whether starting still matters more than finishing.
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