Heat Reportedly Linked As Potential DeMar DeRozan, John Collins Landing Spot in NBA FA
The Miami Heat reportedly are expected to be active in exploring the trade market this offseason.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Heat have "been linked to" Sacramento Kings veteran shooting guard DeMar DeRozan and also have been "mentioned as a potential destination" for Utah Jazz veteran forward John Collins.
DeRozan has two years left on his contract with the Kings and will be making $24.8 million during the 2025-26 season. Collins is in the final year of his deal after exercising his $26.6 million option with the Jazz.
In his first year in Sacramento, DeRozan started 77 games and averaged 22.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists. The 35-year-old has been one of the league's most consistent players, appearing in over 70 games in each of the last four seasons. The last time he averaged under 20 points was the 2012-13 season when he was with the Toronto Raptors.
Collins, whom Fischer described as "very available," was limited to 40 games last season due to an ankle injury, but he was one of Utah's most reliable sources of production when healthy. His scoring average of 19.0 ppg was his highest since the 2019-20 season when he was with the Atlanta Hawks, and he added 8.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks. He shot 52.7 percent from the field and 39.9 percent from three-point range.
Fischer noted that the Heat "have a clear need on the wing between All-Star guard Tyler Herro and All-Defensive Team big man Bam Adebayo." Miami has been reluctant to give up its assets in recent years, but it sounds like the team could have a change of heart this summer as it tries to build a roster that can contend for a title in the wide-open Eastern Conference.
