NBA Rumors: DeMar DeRozan Linked to Heat amid Lakers Buzz in Free Agency | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors


MIAMI, FL - APRIL 19: DeMar DeRozan #11 of the Chicago Bulls handles the ball during the game against the Miami Heat during the 2024 Play-In Tournament on April 19, 2024 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)

Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images

DeMar DeRozan could be headed to the Miami Heat.

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported that DeRozan and the Heat have mutual interest in unrestricted free agency, but the Los Angeles Lakers, among other teams, also are pursuing the forward.

Barry Jackson @flasportsbuzz

NEW: Heat calls on DeMar DeRozan, and DeRozan also has interest in Miami, per multiple sources. But Lakers, others also reportedly involvedhttps://t.co/dHZiMO9HSo
Here are the precise rules complications with Miami acquiring DeRozan.. World got confirmation today that Mitchell…

DeRozan averaged 24.0 points, 5.3 assists and 4.3 rebounds in 79 games for the Chicago Bulls in 2023-24.

This likely means that bringing in DeRozan would necessitate a move that dumps some salary, or Miami committing to the high penalties that go with exceeding the second apron. This could be worth it to make an all-in push for 2024-25 before Jimmy Butler potentially hits the free-agency market, but it would also hurt the chances at the Heat retaining him beyond next season.

Still, DeRozan could be a strong fit for a team with championship aspirations. The Heat went 46-36 and fell to the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs. However, Miami reached the NBA Finals in 2022-23, and adding DeRozan could be a move that pushes the Heat back toward the top of the Eastern Conference.





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