The Heat and Warriors have contacted DeMar DeRozan as a fallback after missing out on LeBron James, with the veteran reportedly willing to join a title contender on a minimum deal.
The Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors have turned their attention to another high-profile veteran after LeBron James chose to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers.
DeMar DeRozan
Position SG, SF
Age 36
Height 198 cm
Weight 100 kg
Birth place Compton, United States of America
According to NBA reporter Evan Sidery, both teams have recently been in contact with free-agent forward DeMar DeRozan.
DeRozan has emerged as a fallback option for two of the teams that had hoped to land James and is reportedly willing to sign with a championship contender on a veteran-minimum contract.
DeRozan willing to take veteran minimum
The six-time All-Star became an unrestricted free agent after being released by the Sacramento Kings earlier in July.
Despite remaining a productive scorer, DeRozan is apparently prepared to accept a significant pay cut in exchange for an opportunity to compete for his first NBA championship.
Such a deal would make the 36-year-old one of the most accomplished players available at the minimum and allow either Miami or Golden State to add another proven shot creator without sacrificing significant financial flexibility.
Golden State, in particular, needs additional offensive help after losing out on James. DeRozan would provide a dependable mid-range scorer capable of creating his own shot and generating offense when Stephen Curry is off the floor.
Credit IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect - Scanpix
DeRozan remains a productive scorer
DeRozan averaged 18.4 points, 4.1 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 1.0 steal across 77 appearances for Sacramento during the 2025-26 season.
Although his scoring average declined from previous seasons, he remained highly durable and continued to provide steady half-court offense.
DeRozan played the final two seasons of his 17-year NBA career with Sacramento before the Kings released him.
His limited three-point shooting could create fit questions for both interested teams, but his ability to attack mismatches, draw fouls and score in late-game situations would give either roster another offensive dimension.
Six-time All-Star searching for first championship
The Toronto Raptors selected DeRozan with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft.
He spent his first nine seasons in Toronto before being traded to the San Antonio Spurs in the 2018 deal that sent Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors.
DeRozan played three seasons in San Antonio and another three with the Chicago Bulls before joining Sacramento through a sign-and-trade in 2024. He is a six-time All-Star and three-time All-NBA selection.
Despite his long list of individual accomplishments, DeRozan has yet to win an NBA title or reach the NBA Finals.
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