The Miami Heat have expressed interest in DeMar DeRozan, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, but they face a significant obstacle in completing a deal.
Despite a dwindling market for his services, DeRozan, a six-time NBA All-Star, is reportedly seeking a contract that exceeds the non-taxpayer midlevel exception. Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report/TNT’s NBA insider mentioned on the #ThisLeague Uncut podcast that DeRozan is open to considering a one-year deal, but is unlikely to settle for the midlevel exception, which stands at $13 million.
Currently, the Miami Heat are constrained by salary cap limitations. Approaching the first apron, they have only the $5.2 million taxpayer midlevel exception and veteran minimum contracts at their disposal to potentially sign DeRozan. To acquire him, they would need to explore sign-and-trade scenarios or shed existing contracts to create the necessary cap space to offer him more than the non-taxpayer full midlevel exception, even if only for a single season.
This presents a challenging situation for Heat president Pat Riley, known for his ability to navigate complex roster maneuvers.
Earlier reports indicated that DeRozan declined a lucrative two-year offer from the Chicago Bulls, emphasizing his preference for a deal that aligns with his desired terms and salary expectations. Currently, only a few teams, including the Detroit Pistons and Utah Jazz, have sufficient cap room exceeding $20 million, further limiting DeRozan’s options.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers, led by Riley’s former team, have also shown interest in DeRozan but face similar financial constraints. Despite LeBron James’ willingness to compromise on his salary to assist the team in acquiring DeRozan, their options remain restricted due to salary cap limitations.
Discussions between the Lakers and DeRozan’s representatives have reportedly stalled, with Haynes describing the situation as “frozen” on the #ThisLeague Uncut podcast.
Considering the current market dynamics and salary cap restrictions, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski predicts that DeRozan may ultimately opt for a shorter-term contract, possibly a one-year deal, to reassess his options in the future when market conditions could be more favorable.
DeRozan, 34, showcased his scoring prowess with the Bulls last season, averaging 24.0 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game. Despite his impressive performance, joining a championship contender may require him to accept a reduced role alongside a smaller salary, reflecting the competitive landscape of the NBA offseason.
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