Overview
- After LeBron James chose the Philadelphia 76ers, league reporting says the Miami Heat, Denver Nuggets and Cleveland Cavaliers have each contacted DeRozan’s representatives but no team has signed him.
- The Heat have held talks and see DeRozan as a veteran scorer who could complement Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, yet Miami has not made an offer while its front office weighs using roughly $8 million in remaining exception money.
- Denver is exploring DeRozan while facing heavy luxury‑tax exposure and a stalled restricted‑free‑agent negotiation with Peyton Watson, and the team’s projected second‑apron status would further limit roster flexibility.
- Scouting points to clear tradeoffs: DeRozan averaged 18.4 points and 4.1 assists last season and offers durable midrange scoring and late‑game creation, but he is a below‑average 3‑point shooter and has defensive shortcomings that require lineup adjustments.
- The Kings waived DeRozan to let him chase a contender, leaving him available now and forcing suitors to decide quickly between committing exception money, offering a veteran‑minimum role, or preserving roster flexibility.