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6-Time NBA All-Star Emerges as Trade Target for Miami Heat
© Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Miami Heat will surely be looking to take part in a quick and calculated re-tooling process following their disastrous 2024-25 campaign, one steeped in controversy surrounding the loud departure of ex-Heat superstar Jimmy Butler via trade.

Miami's team president Pat Riley has always strived to keep the Heat in the hunt for an NBA title, and the 2025 offseason could serve as a clear reflection of that mission.

With Riley remaining adamant on adding another star in the coming months, recent reports from ClutchPoints' NBA insider Brett Siegel indicate that he may have his eyes on a certain cerebral scorer from the Sacramento Kings as a potential trade target.

"The Miami Heat are expected to be buyers this offseason and seek to make immediate upgrades around Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, sources said," Siegel wrote Friday afternoon.

"Pat Riley is always aggressive on the summer trade market, and he will be involved in any conversations about All-Star players hitting the market."

"DeMar DeRozan is once again viewed by other teams as a potential target for Riley and the Heat."

Though the aging DeMar DeRozan is guaranteed $73.8 million through the 2026-27 season, the 35-year-old could surely assist the Heat as he continues to prove himself as one of the NBA's deadliest pure scoring threats.

In 77 appearances, while splitting his time between the Chicago Bulls and Kings, the three-time All-NBA Team selection contributed 22.2 points and 4.4 assists while knocking down 47.7% of his looks from the field.

By prospectively pairing the mid-range assassin with Miami's first-time All-Star Tyler Herro and dominant five-time All-Defensive Team selection Bam Adebayo, it's possible that the Heat could put together an unexpectedly solid 2025-26 campaign.

If the former 27.9-point scorer as a member of the Bulls can buy in on the defensive end and into the 'Heat Culture' philosophy, DeRozan might just be the perfect target for Riley, head coach Erik Spoelstra and Miami's front office.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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