The Miami Heat are no strangers to blockbuster moves, and the 2025 NBA offseason is shaping up to be another chapter in Pat Riley’s storied legacy of chasing All-Stars. According to a report from ClutchPoints on May 24, 2025, Sacramento Kings’ six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan is once again a prime target for Riley and the Heat, as they aim to rebuild around Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro after a disappointing playoff sweep. With DeRozan’s future in Sacramento uncertain and Miami’s roster poised for a shake-up, this rumor has set the NBA world abuzz. For Heat fans and basketball enthusiasts, this potential trade is a thrilling prospect. Dive into this analysis to explore why DeRozan could be the spark Miami needs and what it means for their return to Eastern Conference dominance.
Miami’s Need for a Third Star
The 2024-25 season was a tough one for the Miami Heat. After trading Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors and suffering a first-round playoff sweep against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Heat finished with a 37-45 record as the No. 10 seed in the Eastern Conference. Despite Bam Adebayo’s two-way dominance and Tyler Herro’s scoring prowess, the roster lacked the firepower to compete with top contenders. Pat Riley, known for his aggressive pursuit of All-Stars, is determined to address this gap, with sources indicating the Heat are “expected to be buyers this offseason” to make immediate upgrades.
DeMar DeRozan, at 35, remains a prolific scorer, averaging 22.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game in his first season with the Kings, shooting 47.7% from the field. His durability—leading the league in minutes in 2023-24—and clutch performance, evidenced by back-to-back top-three finishes in Clutch Player of the Year voting, make him an attractive option for Miami. DeRozan’s mid-range game and playmaking could ease the offensive burden on Adebayo and Herro, forming a potent trio under coach Erik Spoelstra’s system.
Why DeRozan Fits the Heat
DeRozan’s skill set aligns with Miami’s need for a reliable scoring wing. His ability to create his own shot, particularly in the mid-range, complements Herro’s outside shooting and Adebayo’s paint presence. As noted by Yardbarker, “DeRozan’s durability and skill set make him an ideal target for Erik Spoelstra’s team,” offering a veteran presence to stabilize the offense. His experience as a six-time All-Star with the Toronto Raptors, San Antonio Spurs, and Chicago Bulls brings leadership to a Heat squad navigating a transitional phase post-Butler.
Proposed trade scenarios suggest Miami could offer players like Duncan Robinson, Terry Rozier, and Andrew Wiggins, whose contracts and roles may not align with the Heat’s long-term vision. One fan-proposed deal on X includes DeRozan and Jonas Valanciunas for Rozier, Pelle Larsson, Kyle Anderson, and second-round picks, preserving Miami’s first-round assets. DeRozan’s $14 million salary for 2025-26 (part of a three-year, $74 million deal) is manageable, allowing the Heat to maintain flexibility while adding a proven star.
However, DeRozan’s fit isn’t flawless. His 32.8% three-point shooting in 2024-25 raises concerns about spacing, especially alongside Adebayo, who also prefers operating inside the arc. Critics, like those on Hot Hot Hoops, argue that DeRozan “doesn’t move the needle” for Miami’s current roster, citing overlap with Herro’s mid-range game. Yet, Spoelstra’s ability to maximize versatile players could mitigate these issues, and DeRozan’s clutch scoring could be a game-changer in playoff scenarios.
The Kings’ Motivation to Trade
Sacramento’s 2024-25 season was underwhelming, with a 40-42 record and a play-in tournament exit, prompting major changes. The Kings fired coach Mike Brown, traded De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs, and replaced GM Monte McNair with Scott Perry, signaling a potential rebuild. The addition of Zach LaVine at the trade deadline created a crowded backcourt alongside DeRozan and Malik Monk, making DeRozan expendable. NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that the Kings are exploring trade options for DeRozan, who has two years and $50.5 million remaining on his contract.
For Sacramento, trading DeRozan could net younger players or draft picks to build around LaVine and Domantas Sabonis. Miami’s trade assets, including Robinson’s partially guaranteed contract, Rozier’s expiring deal, and prospects like Jaime Jaquez Jr. or Pelle Larsson, could appeal to the Kings. However, Sacramento’s reluctance to fully commit to a rebuild—coupled with DeRozan’s reported love for the city—could complicate negotiations.
Pat Riley’s Trade Legacy
Pat Riley’s history of bold moves makes this rumor credible. From engineering the Shaquille O’Neal trade to assembling the LeBron James-Dwyane Wade-Chris Bosh Big Three, Riley has a knack for landing stars. His past interest in DeRozan, dating back to 2016 free agency and multiple trade inquiries, underscores his admiration for the Compton native. Posts on X reflect fan excitement, with one user stating, “DeMar DeRozan is the difference maker Riley has been looking for!!!”
Riley’s strategy hinges on balancing immediate contention with long-term flexibility. While Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo have been linked to Miami, DeRozan is a more realistic target due to the Heat’s limited assets compared to rivals like the Lakers or Nuggets. A trade for DeRozan could be a “last resort” if bigger names fall through, but his proven production makes him more than a consolation prize.
Risks and Rewards
Pursuing DeRozan carries risks. His age (36 in August 2025) and lack of elite three-point shooting could limit Miami’s ceiling, especially against spacing-heavy teams like Boston or Milwaukee. Trading assets like Jaquez or first-round picks, as suggested in some proposals, could deplete Miami’s future options. Additionally, DeRozan’s recent off-court incident at a Calabasas sushi restaurant, where he was involved in a physical altercation, raises minor concerns about his public image, though it’s unlikely to deter Riley.
The rewards, however, are significant. DeRozan’s scoring and clutch play could elevate Miami’s offense, which ranked poorly in 2024-25. His veteran leadership would complement Spoelstra’s culture, and his contract allows Miami to remain active in future markets. If paired with Adebayo’s defense and Herro’s shooting, DeRozan could help the Heat reclaim their status as Eastern Conference contenders.
Broader Implications
A DeRozan trade would shake up the NBA landscape. For Miami, it signals a commitment to win now, leveraging Adebayo’s prime and Spoelstra’s coaching prowess. For the Kings, moving DeRozan could kickstart a youth movement, reshaping their roster around LaVine and Sabonis. The Heat’s pursuit also puts pressure on rivals like the Lakers, who are also linked to DeRozan, to match Riley’s aggression. As betting odds from Bovada list Miami as favorites (+145) to land DeRozan, the hype is real.
The Miami Heat’s renewed interest in DeMar DeRozan is a tantalizing prospect for fans craving a return to glory. Pat Riley’s pursuit of the six-time All-Star, reported on May 24, 2025, reflects his relentless drive to build a contender around Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro. While DeRozan’s fit raises questions, his scoring, durability, and clutch pedigree could be the spark Miami needs. Will Riley pull off another blockbuster to bring DeRozan to South Beach? Share this article to join the conversation—this offseason drama is heating up, and the Heat are ready to make waves!