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Basketball mid-range jump shot frozen in motion toward NBA hoop with dramatic arena lighting
Basketball mid-range jump shot frozen in motion toward NBA hoop with dramatic arena lighting
ESPN’s Shams Charania confirmed Monday that the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Denver Nuggets have all shown interest in free agent forward DeMar DeRozan. The news lands days after LeBron James ended Cleveland’s hopes by signing with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Cavaliers now pivot toward DeRozan as their primary wing target in a reshaped offseason.
What Shams Charania Reported On DeRozan’s Market
Charania delivered the update during a Monday appearance on NBA Today, identifying all three teams as active suitors. This is not idle rumor chatter, it’s a named insider confirming contender-level interest in a six-time All-Star who is still unsigned.
DeRozan, 36, was waived by the Sacramento Kings on July 6 after the franchise sought roster flexibility, a decision made easier by the fact only $10 million of his $26.74 million salary was guaranteed. He started all 77 games last season, averaging 18.4 points, 4.1 assists, and 2.9 rebounds while shooting 49.7 percent from the field. The Kings finished 22-60 and owned a better net rating with him off the floor than on it, which contextualizes the waiver without diminishing what he offers a better-constructed team.
Why Cleveland Is The Most Logical Fit
The Cavaliers made the Eastern Conference Finals last season and enter this offseason searching for wing scoring to complement Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. DeRozan projects as a seamless positional fit, a physical mid-post scoring threat to pair alongside Mitchell and Mobley that addresses a clear gap without requiring Cleveland to sacrifice draft capital.
Donovan Mitchell wearing a white Cleveland Cavaliers jersey with the number 45, posing with arms outstretched.Donovan Mitchell wearing a white Cleveland Cavaliers jersey with the number 45, posing with arms outstretched.
Donovan Mitchell posing in his Cleveland Cavaliers home uniform.
There’s also a personal angle worth noting. Harden and DeRozan are both Southern California natives who came up through the same grassroots basketball scene and share a bond spanning nearly 15 years, a relationship that rarely drives a free agency decision alone but can function as a tiebreaker when the basketball case is already strong.
Cleveland and Miami have reportedly generated the most direct chatter of the three interested teams so far. The Cavaliers are positioned to offer DeRozan a taxpayer mid-level exception rather than a straight veteran minimum, which is reportedly the approach most interested teams are planning to use. Two days after LeBron signed in Philadelphia, Cleveland agreed to a one-year, $2.8 million deal with Mario Hezonja, but cap room for a more substantial DeRozan offer remains.
Miami And Denver Remain In The Picture
The Heat acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks on June 22 in a blockbuster deal and are building around him alongside Bam Adebayo. A veteran like DeRozan would add offensive experience to a roster reconfiguring around a two-time MVP, and Miami, who also missed out on LeBron James, could use a proven contributor as they look to climb the Eastern Conference standings.
Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks with arms outstretched during an NBA gameGiannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks with arms outstretched during an NBA game
Giannis Antetokounmpo reacts during a game for the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Nuggets ranked No. 20 in bench scoring last season and exited the playoffs in the first round, their earliest postseason exit since 2022. DeRozan could fill that bench scoring void alongside Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, though Denver moved above the second apron earlier this offseason after signing Spencer Jones to a two-year, $12 million deal, which limits their flexibility.
What Comes Next For DeRozan’s Market
DeRozan turns 37 in August, but his production didn’t drop significantly enough to warrant being waived, the Kings simply wanted roster flexibility. His mid-range creation and scoring consistency are plug-and-play assets on any half-court offense, though the defensive and spacing concerns are real given his three-point shooting sat at 32.0 percent last season. Still, multiple contenders view him as a reliable complementary offensive option.
Cleveland would need to act quickly given the growing interest from Miami and Denver. Whichever team moves first with a meaningful offer is most likely to land DeRozan and add a proven veteran scorer to its roster.
Mark Roberts is an experienced sports journalist and sports betting expert with a passion for delivering insightful analysis across a wide range of sports. With years of experience covering major sporting events, leagues, and competitions, he combines in-depth reporting with a strong understanding of betting markets and wagering strategies. Mark specializes in breaking down complex statistics, identifying value opportunities, and providing readers with informed predictions and expert commentary. His work is trusted by sports fans and bettors alike for its accuracy, clarity, and balanced perspective. When he's not analyzing the latest fixtures, Mark follows emerging trends shaping the sports industry.
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