The Miami Heat have officially struck out on LeBron James, who shocked the NBA world with his decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers.
James dragged his decision making process to a little over four weeks with Miami, Philadelphia and the Cleveland Cavaliers being the most notable suitors throughout. The news of him taking his talents to the Sixers wasn’t just a shock to fans, but to the Heat front office as well, according to several sources.
But Miami still has work to do to quickly pivot to a backup plan. Who is at the centerpiece of that backup plan?
DeMar DeRozan.
The Heat are expected to now show interest in DeMar DeRozan.
The former Sacramento Kings wing became an unrestricted free agent a few weeks back after reaching a buyout. He is someone that has been linked to Miami several times over the years, and this could finally be the season where things line up for a DeRozan-Heat pairing.
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald wrote that Miami is expected to have “fresh conversations” with the veteran scorer after failing to reel in James.
DeRozan is coming off a 2025-26 campaign averaging nearly 18/4/3 on efficient 50% shooting.
The Heat remain with three open roster spots and are still in need of another perimeter scorer playmaker— following each of Tyler Herro and Norman Powell’s departures and now missing out on James. DeRozan is an established offensive weapon that fits the bill, even at the age of 36.
He may not be an outside shooter to help with spreading the floor— or even much of a strong defender— but neither is James. Yet, the Heat still valued the idea of bringing in that playmaking and someone with the ability to get a bucket.
He could fill in with the starters in the backcourt or pose as a terrific sixth man microwave scorer to lead the second unit.
***
To check out our other content, click here.
Follow Hot Hot Hoops on Twitter/X here!
Follow Hot Hot Hoops on Instagram here!
Check out Hot Hot Hoops on Facebook here!
Subscribe to our YouTube channel here!
- Report: Heat expected to have “fresh conversations” with DeMar DeRozan
- LeBron James chooses 76ers over Heat, signs two-year deal
- Pat Riley discusses Tyler Herro’s Heat exit and repeated trade rumors over the years
- Former LeBron James Heat co-star makes his pitch on where the free agent should sign
- Can the New York Knicks Repeat? The NBA Already Has Next Season’s Odds
This would be a great move. Demar is still a very skillful player.
DeRozan, as noted, would be great coming off the bench. He has been, what I call, a professional scorer his whole career. I also have never heard or read about him complaining or having off court issues.
He might not be a fit on the court with Giannis, Pelle, Bam, but would be fine with Portis, Hardaway, Simone, at least offensively.
Let the free agent waterfall begin again! It’s official with the Rockets signing Oscar Tshiebwe. And we’re off!