Miami Heat Trade Proposal Lands $82 Million ‘Perfect Fit’

The recent surge in Miami Heat trade rumors involving DeMar DeRozan in the NBA can be attributed to events dating back to 2018 when DeRozan became a key figure in the trade that brought Kawhi Leonard to Toronto. The Raptors went on to win a championship with Leonard, while DeRozan, now with the Chicago Bulls, has yet to make significant postseason progress since leaving Toronto.

Having played in just one postseason series with the San Antonio Spurs and another with the Bulls, DeRozan, at 34, is eager to change that narrative. There is growing speculation that a trade to the Miami Heat could be the solution to both his ambitions and the Heat’s need for a versatile, high-scoring power forward. DeRozan is in the final year of a three-year, $82 million contract signed with the Bulls, making him a potentially seamless fit for the Heat, who are cautious about adding substantial financial commitments to their future plans.

 

Sources suggest that among the players linked to the Heat in various trade scenarios, DeRozan stands out as having significant potential. While nothing is imminent, there is acknowledgment that he aligns closely with what the Heat are seeking in a player. DeRozan’s desire to contribute to a championship-caliber team aligns well with the Heat’s aspirations, and recent reports indicate that Miami, along with the New York Knicks, is among his preferred trade destinations.

Despite other potential destinations, such as the Nuggets or Celtics, offering a better chance at a championship, the fit with DeRozan in Miami seems more realistic. The Heat’s trade flexibility is, however, constrained by a lack of middling contracts suitable for salary purposes. Key players like Tyler Herro and Kyle Lowry are integral to the team, with the latter potentially being part of a deal given his expiring contract.

In a hypothetical scenario, a Miami Heat trade involving sending Lowry to the Bulls for DeRozan could be mutually beneficial. Lowry’s expiring contract makes the deal financially viable, and the Heat could aim to re-sign DeRozan at a more favorable number for the following season. While not a substantial haul for DeRozan, the Bulls, currently at 7-14, may not command a significant return for their trade pieces, providing an opportunity for Miami to capitalize on DeRozan’s expressed preferences.