Barring a last-minute change of heart, DeMar DeRozan will not return to Chicago. The Bulls have shifted towards a reconstruction, in which the winger does not find himself. Free of any contract this summer, the former Toronto or San Antonio player is followed by several franchises, among which the Heat, The Miami Herald informs us.
The local daily goes even further and mentions an interest from the six-time All-Star for a signing on the South Beach side. While his name was also mentioned at the Lakers, a signing in Florida would offer the Heat one more offensive solution, while the weight of the attack has too often been in the hands of Jimmy Butler in the big games in recent seasons. As for “spacing” on the other hand, we'll have to come back to that, with a new executive who is not very adept at long-distance shooting (33.3% last season and less than one success per game).
The operation will not be simple, however, as the Heat has very limited financial room to maneuver to strengthen. Miami has already exceeded the “first apron”, with $178 million in payroll, but still has three spots to fill on the roster. DeMar DeRozan could only commit with the “midlevel exception” of $5.2 million or a minimum veteran salary, a scenario that is a priori very unlikely for a player who has averaged 25.5 points over the last three seasons. A signing at this rate would also block the Caleb Martin and Haywood Highsmith files, still waiting for an extension.
The option of a “sign and trade” remains and to part with a contract equivalent to the future lease that “DMDR” would sign with the Bulls before being traded. If Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo seem untouchable, the only remaining options would then be Tyler Herro ($29 million next season, $93 over the next three years), Terry Rozier ($25 million, and a “team option” in 2025/26 at $26.6 million) and Duncan Robinson ($19.4 million, “player option” at $19.9 in 2025-2026).
With the XXL extension signed by LeBron James, the prospect of DeMar DeRozan signing with the Lakers has become more complicated, as the Californian franchise could go beyond the “second apron” and no longer have its “mid-level exception”. Marc Spears called the Kings an “underdog” in signing the 34-year-old.
