The Miami Heat are still searching for roster upgrades. The franchise missed out on the Kevin Durant sweepstakes. As such, Pat Riley is likely casting a wide net in search of some additional talent to help round out Erik Spoelstra’s roster.
In a July 4 Bleacher Report article, Zach Buckley named the Heat as a potential destination for DeMar DeRozan. The veteran forward could be traded this summer.
“DeRozan won’t hold the widest appeal, as he’s about to turn 36 and never added an outside shot to his arsenal,” Buckley wrote. “However, win-now shoppers seeking more half-court creation and scoring won’t find many better alternatives…Landing spot: Miami Heat.”
Miami needs a lead scorer. Tyler Herro can’t shoulder all of the playmaking and scoring responsibilities on his own. DeRozan would slot directly into the starting lineup. Furthermore, he would solve a legitimate position of need. It’s also unlikely that Sacramento would place an unrealistic price tag on DeRozan.
Still, the veteran forward had a strong season in Northern California. In 77 games, DeRozan averaged 22.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists. He shot 47.7% from the field and 32.8% from deep. DeRozan will be entering the second year of a three-year $73.8 million contract.
Heat Could Target John Collins
In the July 2 edition of “The Stein Line Newsletter,” NBA insider Jake Fischer noted that the Heat could consider Utah Jazz forward John Collins as a potential target.
“The Miami Heat are an oft-mentioned potential Kuminga suitor and do have a clear need on the wing between All-Star guard Tyler Herro and All-Defensive Team big man Bam Adebayo,” Fischer wrote. “The Heat have also been linked to Kings scoring guard DeMar DeRozan by various league sources and likewise mentioned as a potential destination for Utah’s very available John Collins.”
Collins is younger than DeRozan and would provide a more modern type of skill set. He’s highly athletic, can stretch the floor and would improve the team’s overall rebounding.
However, DeRozan is a proven playmaker and scorer. As a result, Riley may need to actively pursue a player who aligns with Spoelstra’s system, rather than prioritizing the most talented or youngest option.
Damian Lillard Could be Another Target
Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press reports that the Miami Heat are among several contenders actively pursuing Damian Lillard, the veteran guard recently waived and stretched by the Milwaukee Bucks.
“The Heat — this is no surprise — are expected to have interest in Damian Lillard, who very surprisingly now holds a lot of cards he didn’t expect to hold,” Reynolds reported via X.
Lillard is currently recovering from a torn Achilles tendon. He is unlikely to play during the 2025-26 season. However, he would undoubtedly be a strong addition to Miami’s rotation.
Nevertheless, Miami would be wise to sign him soon, otherwise they risk another team eating the first year of his next contract to ensure he’s on the roster once cleared to play.
