The Miami Heat, known for their relentless pursuit of NBA championships under team president Pat Riley, faced a turbulent 2024-25 season marked by controversy and the trade of superstar Jimmy Butler. With their sights set on a swift retooling, the Heat are poised to make bold moves this offseason to reclaim their place among the NBA’s elite. According to ClutchPoints’ NBA insider Brett Siegel, a new target has emerged: six-time NBA All-Star DeMar DeRozan from the Sacramento Kings. Could the 35-year-old scoring maestro be the key to revitalizing Miami’s roster around Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro? Let’s dive into this blockbuster trade scenario and its potential to reshape the Heat’s future.
The Miami Heat’s 2024-25 campaign was nothing short of a disaster, with internal strife and Jimmy Butler’s high-profile departure via trade casting a shadow over the franchise. Pat Riley, a mastermind of aggressive roster moves, is determined to keep the Heat in championship contention. With a core of Bam Adebayo, a five-time All-Defensive Team selection, and Tyler Herro, a first-time All-Star, Riley is reportedly targeting a star to elevate Miami’s offense. Enter DeMar DeRozan, the Sacramento Kings’ mid-range assassin and three-time All-NBA Team selection, whose scoring prowess and veteran leadership make him a prime candidate for Riley’s vision.
DeRozan, now 35, remains one of the NBA’s most lethal scorers. In the 2024-25 season, splitting time between the Chicago Bulls and Sacramento Kings, he averaged 22.2 points and 4.4 assists on 47.7% field goal shooting across 77 games. His $73.8 million contract through the 2026-27 season is a significant commitment, but his ability to dominate in the mid-range and create his own shots could complement Miami’s roster perfectly. Pairing DeRozan with Adebayo’s defensive dominance and Herro’s perimeter shooting could form a balanced trio capable of challenging Eastern Conference powerhouses.
Why DeRozan Fits Miami
DeRozan’s fit with the Heat hinges on his ability to adapt to the famed “Heat Culture” under head coach Erik Spoelstra. Known for its emphasis on discipline, defense, and teamwork, Heat Culture demands buy-in from its stars. While DeRozan’s defensive skills are not his strongest asset, his offensive versatility could offset this. His mid-range mastery would diversify Miami’s attack, reducing reliance on Herro’s three-point shooting and Adebayo’s interior presence. Moreover, DeRozan’s experience as a six-time All-Star and his clutch scoring—evidenced by his 27.9 points per game peak with the Bulls—could provide the offensive spark Miami needs in critical moments.
Potential Trade Scenarios
To acquire DeRozan, the Heat would need to offer a package appealing to the Kings, who may be open to reshaping their roster around De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. A possible trade could involve Duncan Robinson, whose $19.4 million expiring contract matches salaries, along with young prospects like Nikola Jović and a future first-round pick (e.g., 2027 or 2029, potentially top-5 protected). For Sacramento, this deal would provide cap flexibility and assets to build around their young core, while Miami would gain a proven scorer without sacrificing Adebayo or Herro.
Another scenario could see Miami include rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. and a combination of draft picks to sweeten the deal. While losing Jaquez would sting, DeRozan’s immediate impact could justify the cost, especially if Riley believes the Heat are one star away from contending. The Kings, in turn, could use Jaquez’s two-way potential and draft capital to bolster their depth or pursue other targets.
Challenges and Risks
DeRozan’s age and contract pose risks. At 35, his athleticism may decline, and his $24.6 million annual salary through 2026-27 could strain Miami’s cap space, especially with Adebayo’s $165 million extension and Herro’s $29 million per year. Additionally, DeRozan’s limited three-point shooting (32.7% career average) may clash with Spoelstra’s spacing-heavy system. For the trade to succeed, DeRozan must embrace a defensive role and integrate into Miami’s selfless culture, a challenge for a player accustomed to being a primary scoring option.
Impact on the Heat’s Future
If DeRozan buys into Heat Culture, the trio of Adebayo, Herro, and DeRozan could make Miami a dark horse in the East. Adebayo’s elite defense would anchor the team, Herro’s shooting would stretch defenses, and DeRozan’s mid-range scoring would provide stability in crunch time. With Spoelstra’s coaching, this core could compete with teams like the Knicks or Bucks, especially if Miami adds depth through free agency. However, the Heat must weigh the short-term boost against the long-term financial and roster implications, as DeRozan’s contract could limit flexibility in future offseasons.
The prospect of DeMar DeRozan joining the Miami Heat is a tantalizing one, offering a chance to reignite the franchise’s championship aspirations after a rocky season. Pat Riley’s aggressive pursuit of a star like DeRozan reflects his unwavering commitment to keeping Miami in the title hunt. While challenges like DeRozan’s age, contract, and defensive fit loom large, his scoring prowess and veteran presence could transform the Heat into a formidable force. As the 2025 offseason approaches, the NBA world will be watching to see if Riley pulls off another masterstroke. Will DeRozan don the Heat jersey and lead Miami back to glory?