Miami Heat Receive: F DeMar DeRozan
San Antonio Spurs Receive: F Andre Iguodala, F/C Kelly Olynyk, MIA 2022 1st Round Pick, MIA 2024 1st Round Pick, MIA 2026 1st Round Pick (Pick Swap, More Favorable)
If the Miami Heat are going to acquire a player like DeMar DeRozan, then they are going to have to put together quite the trade package of draft compensation, especially if they are not trading away guys like Kendrick Nunn, Tyler Herro or Duncan Robinson. In this trade, they would not only be trading away two veteran talents, but they would also have to give up two, possibly three first-round picks for DeRozan.
DeMar DeRozan is entering the final year of his contract and is owed $27.7M this upcoming season, but the question remains if he will be packing his bags and moving elsewhere to continue his career. He does not seem to be in the Spurs long-term plans at this point, as San Antonio looks to get younger and rebuild their core, and is still a player that holds a high-value on the trade market.
Last season, DeMar DeRozan averaged 22.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and shot 53.1% from the floor. He has one of the better mid-range games off-the-dribble in the NBA and can still be one of the better players on any team in the league. He may not be the NBA All-Star he once was but could be like Kawhi Leonard was to Toronto in the sense of coming in and being the x-factor for a team’s chances at winning a title.
With the emergence of young talents like Keldon Johnson and Lonnie Walker IV this season for the Spurs, DeRozan’s long-term value for this organization is starting to decline and trading him for future picks and two key veteran players could be very well worthwhile for this team now.
Andre Iguodala is still a great defensive player and a very solid all-around player. He will not bring as much production in terms of scoring like DeRozan, but he is more than capable of finding open guys to pass to and grabbing rebounds. Kelly Olynyk is also another high-impact veteran talent that could help the Spurs get to the playoffs this year.
Olynyk is currently averaging 10.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and is shooting 35.6% from three-point range this season. Given the Spurs need for more perimeter shooting and a stretch big man, Kelly Olynyk could join this organization and immediately make an impact, especially with LaMarcus Aldridge getting older and being in the final year of his contract.
If the Miami Heat are to be legit title contenders this year, then they are going to have to be willing to shake things up roster wise and acquire another star level talent. DeMar DeRozan is that guy, which is why they should be willing to make this trade. Now, let’s take a closer look as to why this trade makes sense for both the Heat and Spurs.
