DeMar DeRozan remains one of the notable names available in the 2026 NBA free agent market after his departure from the Sacramento Kings. The six-time All-Star is still searching for his next team as several contenders and other interested franchises weigh his scoring ability and veteran experience.
DeRozan averaged 18.4 points, 2.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game for Sacramento last season while shooting 49.7% from the field. He also played 77 games, continuing his strong durability despite entering his late 30s.
The Miami Heat have been linked with DeRozan as they look to add another experienced scorer around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. The Heat’s interest has also sparked debate because of DeRozan’s limited three-point shooting, but his ability to create his own offense remains an important part of his appeal.
Miami Heat Emerge as DeMar DeRozan’s Leading Destination
The latest indication has given Miami a strong position in the race. Kalshi’s NBA next-team market currently gives the Heat a 40% chance of landing DeRozan, putting them well ahead of the Toronto Raptors at 11% and the Denver Nuggets at 10%.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Washington Wizards are each listed at 8%, while the Golden State Warriors sit at 5%.
Miami’s interest makes sense in the context of its current roster. Antetokounmpo remains the team’s primary offensive creator, while Adebayo and Andrew Wiggins have also carried scoring responsibilities. DeRozan would give the Heat another player capable of creating his own shot.
That aspect could be particularly valuable for Miami. DeRozan averaged 18.4 points and 4.1 assists last season and shot 46.4% in isolation and 55.7% on drives, based on the information provided.
There are questions about how DeRozan would fit alongside Antetokounmpo and Adebayo because of his three-point shooting. He shot 32.0% from three last season. However, his midrange scoring and ball-handling could address another need for the Heat.
An anonymous scout, speaking to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel, questioned whether DeRozan could fit Miami’s starting lineup because of the spacing concerns. The scout said DeRozan, Antetokounmpo and Adebayo together could create a difficult spacing situation and also argued that DeRozan would need to come off the bench.
DeRozan has rarely played that role during his career. He has appeared in 1,264 regular-season games and started all but 12, with those 12 starts coming during his rookie season.
Still, Miami is not the only team with a path to adding the veteran scorer.
Toronto Raptors, Denver Nuggets and Cleveland Cavaliers Remain in the Mix
GettySacramento Kings Guard DeMar DeRozan
The Toronto Raptors remain one of the teams connected with DeRozan because of his history with the franchise. Toronto selected him No. 9 overall in the 2009 NBA Draft, and he spent his first nine seasons with the Raptors before being traded to the San Antonio Spurs in 2018.
A recent social media post from DeRozan also sparked speculation about a possible return to Toronto. He wrote, “In closing, I remain the same. I come as I leave…” However, a reunion remains speculation based on the information provided.
The Denver Nuggets are another potential destination. DeRozan could provide veteran scoring and playmaking for Denver’s second unit if the team makes changes around restricted free agent Peyton Watson. The Nuggets have also been linked with DeRozan since his departure from Sacramento.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have shown interest as well. DeRozan could continue in a starting role there, although his contract expectations and willingness to accept a different role remain important factors.
The Washington Wizards have also entered the picture. ESPN’s Shams Charania said Washington had held conversations with DeRozan while building around Anthony Davis, Trae Young and A.J. Dybantsa.
For now, the Heat hold the strongest position in the latest market odds, while several teams remain possible landing spots for DeRozan.
Heat Get Good News in DeMar DeRozan Pursuit as Odds Emerge