If an NBA star is available, odds are, they’ve been linked to the Miami Heat. It doesn’t necessarily matter if the Heat have the assets to acquire that star.
The Heat are usually a desirable destination for a star player, and in the modern NBA, that carries a lot of weight. Yet, they won’t always land on the Heat. We saw that this summer.
Miami was supposed to land Damian Lillard. The Portland Trail Blazers would send him to the Milwaukee Bucks anyway. Miami was not able to will their preference into existence.
Still, if an affordable star hits the market, it would be a different story. In that event, the Heat could get in on the sweepstakes and actually come away with that star. With that in mind, DeMar DeRozan of the Chicago Bulls is said to be available.
Could the Heat land him?
NBA Trade Proposal: Miami Heat Land Chicago Bulls’ DeMar DeRozan
Chicago Bulls Receive: G Kyle Lowry, 2027 First-Round Pick (Top 10 Protected – MIA)
Miami Heat Receive: G/F DeMar DeRozan
If a player is so easily available, how can he be defined as a star? That’s a fair question. In reality, the definition of “star” in the NBA is a bit ambiguous. Does DeRozan really qualify as a star?
It depends on your criteria. In terms of name value, sure. If you’ve got even a casual interest in the NBA, you’ve heard of DeRozan. Does he impact the game on a star level? That’s a different question.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat Updates
Arguably, the answer is still yes. DeRozan racks up gaudy counting stats. At the same time, he’s a flawed player. DeRozan is a weak shooter and a subpar defender. This is not a “star player” who can carry you into the playoffs anymore.
Should the Heat acquire him anyway?
Why The Miami Heat Do The Deal
Sure. After all, the Heat don’t need DeRozan to carry them. Last season, Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo carried them all the way to the NBA Finals.
Last we checked, they’re still in Heat uniforms. This is a pure talent upgrade for Miami. Does that mean DeRozan is a good fit for this roster? Not necessarily.
On a surface level, he may not be a fit at all. Butler and Adebayo are both questionable floor spacers already. Do the Heat need another midrange maestro?
Moreover, can they spare Lowry when they’re already lacking point guard depth? We’ll answer the second question first. DeRozan can run point – so can Butler and Adebayo.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat Updates
Meanwhile, the spacing concerns would be valid, but Erik Spoelstra has worked with limited shooters before. If Miami can make this work, it raises their ceiling.
What does this deal do for the Bulls?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
The Bulls need to blow up their roster. That’s obvious to everyone. Meanwhile, moving DeRozan feels especially pertinent. He’s not getting a second contract in Chicago, and the Bulls shouldn’t let him walk without bringing some value back.
Is this enough value? We think so. If the Bulls get a better offer, they should take it. In the meantime, a protected first-round pick from an organization that makes a habit of staying out of the lottery feels like a fair return for DeRozan.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat Updates
Meanwhile, they’re not taking any bad money back in the process of moving him. Lowry is on an expiring contract. If the Bulls manage their assets wisely, who knows? Some day, a star may be linked to them.
