Jacari McRae | March 17th, 2020
During last month’s trade deadline, the Miami Heat flipped Justise Winslow, James Johnson, and Dion Waiters for Andre Iguodala, Jae Crowder, and Solomon Hill. They nearly acquired Danilo Gallinari, but the failed extension talks ended the deal.
According to Jabari Young of CNBC Sports Business, Miami also made a run at San Antonio Spurs guard DeMar DeRozan during last month’s NBA’s Trade Deadline.
“During the trade deadline, I was hearing Miami was making a push for DeMar DeRozan,” Young told ESPN San Antonio during a Friday radio appearance. “He’s close with Jimmy Butler.”
Before the NBA suspended their season, DeRozan was having arguably the most efficient season of his NBA career. He’s averaged 22.2 points, 5.6 boards, and 5.6 assists to go along with a career-high field-goal percentage (52.6%) so far this season. Instead of attempting more three-pointers, DeRozan did most of his damage inside the arc.
DeRozan has a player option of $27.7 million for 2020-21. He can opt-out and become a free agent this off-season(whenever that is). With approximately $28 million in cap space, Miami is expected to be one of few teams with money to spend. And they can increase that number up to $40 million if Kelly Olynyk opts out of his contract. That’s more than enough money to make a max offer to DeRozan.
It’s also no secret Miami has its eyes on the 2021 free agency class that includes Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George. Because of this, I can only see Miami offering DeRozan a one-year max deal if they’re still interested. Additionally, Miami will also have to make decisions on Meyers Leonard, Jae Crowder, Goran Dragic, and Derrick Jones Jr.
The Heat will have the flexibility to make a lot of moves over the next two years. It’ll be up to Pat Riley and company to decide what moves can put the Heat back into title contention.
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