DeMar DeRozan stays probably the most achieved free brokers accessible after the Sacramento Kings waived the six-time All-Star, however a scout questioned whether or not his talent set suits Miami’s new roster constructed round Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reported Friday that DeRozan may appeal to curiosity across the league however could also be restricted to Miami’s veteran minimal provide, which might rely $2.5 million in opposition to the wage cap, tax and apron figures. A league scout instructed Winderman that DeRozan nonetheless has worth as a scorer however raised issues about his position with the Warmth.
“Effectively, he’s acquired extra left than Klay,” the scout mentioned. “However stylistically is the issue. He’s acquired to return off the bench — and he’s by no means come off the bench in his complete profession.”
DeRozan has began 1,252 of his 1,264 profession video games, together with his solely 12 reserve appearances coming throughout his rookie season with the Toronto Raptors in 2009-10. The 36-year-old enters free company after averaging 18.4 factors, 4.1 assists and a couple of.9 rebounds in 77 video games for Sacramento through the 2025-26 season whereas taking pictures 49.7% from the sector.
The scout believes DeRozan may nonetheless present Miami with late-game shot creation however questioned how his offensive fashion would mix with the Warmth’s two franchise gamers.
“With him, Bam and Giannis, there can be no spacing. And he’s ball dominant,” the scout mentioned. “But when he may settle for the position as a six-man kind, he would bolster their bench and perhaps end video games, too.”
Miami’s roster development modified dramatically after acquiring Antetokounmpo from Milwaukee in a blockbuster trade. The Warmth completed the 2025-26 season 43-39 and entered the offseason as a play-in group, however the addition of the two-time MVP shifted the group’s focus towards championship rivalry.
DeRozan would offer a veteran scoring choice behind a projected core that includes Antetokounmpo, Adebayo and Andrew Wiggins. Nonetheless, spacing stays a serious consideration. DeRozan has made 30.2% of his profession three-point makes an attempt and shot 32.0% from deep final season, relying closely on mid-range scoring and isolation possessions.
The scout in contrast DeRozan favorably to different veteran choices however famous his defensive limitations.
“I imply, he’s not going to defend,” the scout mentioned. “When he was with San Antonio, he did begin to go the ball slightly. However that’s not why you may have him.”
DeRozan averaged a career-best 6.9 assists per recreation with San Antonio through the 2020-21 season and has developed right into a extra keen passer all through his profession, averaging 4.1 assists over 17 seasons. Nonetheless, his major worth stays his capacity to create tough pictures, particularly in late-clock conditions.
The Warmth have already got skilled bench scorers after signing Tim Hardaway Jr. to a one-year, $6.5 million contract. Hardaway averaged 11.4 factors per recreation through the 2025-26 season and supplies Miami with a higher-volume three-point choice than DeRozan.
“When you may get DeRozan as a sixth man, contemplating the opposite choices, he’s a lower above Thompson, for positive,” the scout mentioned.
