Heat Make Head-Scratching DeMar DeRozan Decision as Free Agency Struggles Persist

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Kevin Matthew Borba | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 7:25 AM ET

As the free agent signings and offseason trades have been running rampant, the Miami Heat have not been nearly as active as most would have expected.

At his exit interview following the Heat's first-round elimination from the NBA Playoffs, team president Pat Riley made it clear that the roster would see some changes this offseason.

"I think we do have to make changes," Riley said. "There's no doubt there has to be some change."

As fans tend to do, many convinced themselves that Miami would be big-game hunting in the free-agent or trade market. Instead, they have missed on notable targets such as Kevin Durant, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and have also opted not to pursue Jonathan Kuminga.

In addition to passing on the promising young restricted free agent, the Heat have reportedly also chosen not to go after six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan.

Despite being viewed as a possible landing spot for DeRozan, the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson confirmed on Tuesday that the Heat are not actively in pursuit of him.

"With regard to other stuff out there, Heat has not been pursuing trade for DeRozan to this point," wrote Jackson.

DeRozan was traded to the Sacramento Kings from the Chicago Bulls before the 2024 season. At 35 years old, DeRozan showed he still has plenty left in the tank, as he averaged 22.2 points on 47.7% shooting from the field and 32.8% from deep.

In terms of what is next for the Heat, Jackson did say they are working on something, but was unaware of what.

As of now, the last big splashy moves on the table for Miami are trading for John Collins or Giannis Antetokounmpo, with the latter being a home run move.

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

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