The Miami Heat were one of the final teams left in the mix to potentially land LeBron James this summer. Miami was hoping to make one final run with James before he retired while giving him the opportunity to join an already solid roster.
However, James did not feel like Miami was the team that gave him the best chance to compete for another championship. The four-time NBA champion ultimately chose to join the Philadelphia 76ers instead.
“LeBron James is signing with the Philadelphia 76ers for his final run at another NBA championship, he announced Friday,” ESPN’s Dave McMenamin wrote. “James, 41, is signing a two-year, $8 million contract with a player option, Klutch Sports Group CEO Rich Paul told ESPN’s Shams Charania.”
Now, the Heat must rebound quickly and find the wing player they are in need of. Miami has already been in discussions with DeMar DeRozan about potentially getting a deal done.
“The Heat and free agent Demar DeRozan have had mutual interest in the past, and fresh conversations are expected in the wake of James picking the 76ers,” Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson wrote. “DeRozan, 36, isn’t a three-point shooter (just 30.2% in his career) but remains a highly skilled midrange shooter who can generate his own shot and at times, create for others.”
Another team that has expressed interest in DeRozan is the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors appear to be the team Miami will have to compete with for the services of the 17-year veteran.
“The Heat and Warriors have been in recent contact with DeMar DeRozan. A fallback option in free agency for the hopeful LeBron finalists emerges. DeRozan would sign with a title-contender at the veteran’s minimum,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.
Both situations are appealing, but when looking at the two rosters, Miami appears to have the more attractive opportunity. If Jimmy Butler returns to the Warriors, DeRozan could potentially find himself in a role coming off the bench.
DeRozan was previously on a $73 million contract before being released by the Sacramento Kings. After spending the last few seasons on teams that were not legitimate contenders, the veteran wing wants an opportunity to compete for an NBA Finals run.
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