With free agent star Klay Thompson expected to sign with the Miami Heat after a contract buyout, the Heat will be moving away from DeMar DeRozan.
According to the Miami Herald, the Heat will no longer pursue DeRozan, who entered free agency over a month ago after being waived by the Sacramento Kings.
“A source has told The Miami Herald for weeks that there was mutual interest between the parties,” the report said. “And a deal is now expected, after Thompson informed the Mavericks that he wants to play for a contender and Dallas agreed to a buyout.Inside the Heat, there has been optimism that Thompson would end up with the team, which is among the reasons that Miami has bypassed Bradley Beal and DeMar DeRozan in free agency.”
Why Miami Heat Passed on DeMar DeRozan
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – APRIL 07: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Sacramento Kings reacts after a second half basket against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on April 07, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. Sacramento won the game 127-117. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
After LeBron James signed with the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency, the Heat made Thompson its highest priority. According to the Herald, the Heat viewed Thompson as the top target because the team wanted to add sharpshooters to the roster.
“Heat president Pat Riley has told people in recent weeks that shooting is the team’s top priority, because the team wants to space the floor around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo,” the report stated. “Miami is now adding the most accomplished one on the market in Thompson, who is fourth on the NBA’s all-time three-point list with 2,899 made threes, trailing only Stephen Curry (4,248), James Harden (3,390) and Ray Allen (2,973).”
The Athletic reported Friday that DeRozan is receiving interest from the Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets.
“There could be a domino effect of Thompson’s decision, as veteran DeMar DeRozan was in discussions with the Heat about signing as a free agent but is now expected to sign elsewhere, per league sources,” the report said. “The 37-year-old is strongly considering signing with the Denver Nuggets and has also received interest from Cleveland.”
Miami Ready to Welcome Klay
After Thompson’s buyout was announced, Dallas Mavericks general manager Masai Ujiri released a statement.
“Klay is one of the great players and competitors of his generation, and we are grateful for everything he brought to the Mavericks organization,” Ujiri said in a statement, according to The Athletic. “We have tremendous respect for Klay and all that he has accomplished throughout his career, and we wish him nothing but the best moving forward.”
Thompson, a five-time All-Star, spent the last two seasons in Dallas after joining the franchise as a free agent in 2024. Thompson signed with the Mavs with a vision of competing for a fifth NBA championship, but those plans quickly fizzled after then-Mavs superstar Luka Doncic was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Thompson is now set to join the Heat after he clears waivers. Miami added two-time league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and sharpshooting big man Bobby Portis from the Milwaukee Bucks in a seismic trade in June. In July, the Heat signed Tim Hardaway Jr. to bolster the team’s 3-point shooting.
Thompson is poised to be another impressive addition for the Heat amid a busy offseason.
Report: Miami Heat Make Final DeMar DeRozan Decision After Klay News