Missed LeBron, turned to DeRozan: Miami's plan

A swift change of direction has followed Miami Heat's biggest disappointment of the summer window. According to Barry Jackson, the Miami Heat are expected to contact DeMar DeRozan. This development comes immediately after the Heat missed out on LeBron James to the Philadelphia 76ers, signalling that the club is now moving forward with alternative plans.

Miami's waiting period appears to have finally come to an end. According to earlier reports from Jackson and Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, the Heat had made no commitments to DeRozan while awaiting LeBron's decision and had not made clear whether they would pursue him; the club's "wait and see" approach is now reported to be over.

The player's current situation also explains this interest. Having become a free agent after the Sacramento Kings agreed to a buyout with DeRozan, the six-time All-Star, 37, is recalled to have drawn interest from several clubs, including Miami; Kings insider Matt George had previously identified the Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers as the two most likely destinations for DeRozan.

It is also recalled that Miami has already made a major move this summer. The club is reported to have clarified its roster plans by acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks and continues to build its team around him; DeRozan's isolation scoring ability is noted as a potential game-changing addition off the Heat's bench.

However, it is also emphasised that Miami is not alone in this race. It is recalled that the Toronto Raptors are also considering a reunion with the franchise that drafted him in 2009, with the possibility of DeRozan returning to his Compton roots given his Los Angeles ties also on the table.

Source: Barry Jackson
Image: A Royal Pain