The Miami Heat’s pursuit of DeMar DeRozan is running into a very real problem: the Klay Thompson wait.
According to Heat writer Barry Jackson, Miami’s desire to hold out for Thompson is complicating any clean path to DeRozan, and the money may be just as big an issue. DeRozan reportedly is not interested in settling for the veteran’s minimum, and he may want a slice of the Heat’s remaining mid-level exception - a chunk of money Miami could be keeping available in case Thompson eventually becomes an option.
“As Anthony and I (and Ethan) have noted, Klay is Heat priority. DeRozan likes Heat and there have been conversations in past 72 hours, but as we reported Saturday AT LEAST 1 member of Heat decision making group wants to wait, though DeRozan has admirers inside that key Heat inner… https://t.co/OR1M1iodi0”
That leaves Miami in a tricky spot. DeRozan may have other offers, and some could pay more than the minimum. If the Heat are not in a hurry to lock down the rest of the roster because they’re still hoping Thompson becomes available, DeRozan could simply move on.
That wouldn’t necessarily be out of character for Miami. The Heat have not shown much interest in panic moves, and after the big move for Giannis Antetokounmpo earlier this offseason, there’s no sign they’re about to change that approach. Even without another shooter added, they likely feel they have enough to compete in the Eastern Conference.
Still, the Thompson angle matters. Miami knows a move for Thompson could be the difference between being a solid team and becoming a real championship contender in year one under Giannis. If the Heat believe Thompson might be bought out before the season starts, they have every reason to stay patient.
That patience is exactly what makes DeRozan’s fit uncertain. Thompson is rumored to be the priority, and Miami appears to view him as the better fit. If the Heat think waiting is worth it, it’s hard to see where DeRozan fits unless he is willing to take the minimum - and at this point, that seems doubtful.
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Heat Just Got Pulled Into A Wild LeBron And Giannis Twist
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LeBron James ended up elsewhere, too, with Philadelphia becoming his new home in a twist that only added to the sense that New York had quietly altered the market by standing pat. For Miami, the bigger picture is simple enough: the Heat added one of the leagues biggest names, but the path that brought him there was shaped by a Knicks decision that left two superstars looking for a different landing spot. [Read more 🡒]