Heat Stay in Contact With DeMar DeRozan, Keep Mid-Level Flexibility for Klay Thompson
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The Miami Heat have spoken with representatives for veteran forward DeMar DeRozan, but no agreement is close, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.
Jackson reports that DeRozan is interested in joining Miami. However, at least one member of the Heat’s front office prefers to let the market develop before making a commitment.
A key reason for the wait-and-see approach is Miami’s ongoing pursuit of Dallas Mavericks wing Klay Thompson. The Heat still control roughly $8 million of their mid-level exception and are reluctant to spend most of it on DeRozan, which would limit flexibility for other moves.
DeRozan has little incentive to accept a veteran minimum contract, and multiple teams with remaining mid-level money have reached out to him, Jackson adds.
The 36-year-old remains one of the top free agents available after averaging 18.4 points per game with the Sacramento Kings last season. While DeRozan is among the league’s better mid-range scorers, he has never been a high-volume three-point shooter. Miami continues to seek additional perimeter shooting around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
For now, the Heat’s interest in DeRozan is genuine, but questions about roster fit and available cap space continue to delay any decision.
Source: Hoops Wire
