After a dull and disappointing start to NBA free agency, the Miami Heat have finally struck a big headline. As reported by South Florida insider Barry Jackson, there is mutual interest between the Heat and Chicago Bulls star DeMar DeRozan.

NEW: Heat calls on DeMar DeRozan, and DeRozan also has interest in Miami, per multiple sources. But Lakers, others also reportedly involvedhttps://t.co/dHZiMO9HSo
Here are the precise rules complications with Miami acquiring DeRozan.. World got confirmation today that Mitchell…

— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) July 2, 2024

DeRozan is a six-time NBA All-Star and three-time All-NBA talent. Although he will be entering his age 35 season, he is coming off season averages of 24.0 points, 5.3 assists and 4.3 rebounds to go along with 1.1 steals on 48.0% shooting. He also shot 33.3% on 3-point attempts.

Similar to Jimmy Butler, DeRozan is in that same age and title contending window. Also similarly, he is another player with a high basketball IQ and crafty game, making him someone who can age nicely.

A DeRozan signing pairs Jimmy Butler with a close friend and co-star to finish off this 2-3 year window…

That midrange duo would instantly become LETHAL against opposing teams

& with the proper shooters around them (Jimmy 41% 3P), this has *potential* to be a needle mover pic.twitter.com/F29UwOslZb

— Hot Hot Hoops (@hothothoops) July 2, 2024

Such a potential signing would immediately put Miami back in the conversation with the best of the Eastern Conference. This is a roster that is in desperate need for change and a lineup spark. Bringing a household veteran name filled with playoff experience and a strong offensive skillset would do exactly that.

Keep in mind that to get a DeRozan deal done, the Heat will need to get creative. He is an unrestricted free agent, but Miami currently has nothing to offer outside of the $5 million-plus taxpayer mid level exception. During DeRozan’s three-year contract with Chicago, he earned an average annual salary of $27.3 million.

Something that Jackson noted in his initial DeRozan/Miami reports, is the possibility of making a trade to shed salary prior to bring him aboard. The three main potential Heat players in doing so could be offloading one of the contracts of Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson or Terry Rozier, respectively. Miami would look into not just a salary dump in any trade involving one of three, but also receive back a much cheaper role player and a draft pick or two.

The only other possible way in getting DeRozan to South Beach would be if he is willing to take a major pay-cut. As a guy with two-way capabilities like him, along with fielding interest from other teams in the market, that route seems unlikely.

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This is a developing news story. Stay tuned for updates.

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