NBA Rumors: Miami Inking DeRozan Will Need Lot Of Work

The Miami Heat are technically in rebuilding mode but somehow they have performed beyond expectations. They were running fourth in the NBA Eastern Conference with a 41-24 mark before the regular season was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. There is no official word from NBA commissioner Adam Silver on what the next steps would be as the world tries to find a solution to the COVID-19 virus.

Regardless, the Heat are expected to continue to improve their roster. They will look into the available talent in the offseason and one name may ring a bell. DeMar DeRozan has already hinted that he intends to test free agency, meaning he will exercise his player option. And from the looks of it, the San Antonio Spurs don't have the 6-foot-6 cager in their plans. Much of this was covered in a previous post.

The Heat could explore options with DeRozan even though they already seem loaded in terms of scoring. There is Jimmy Butler and the recently signed Andre Iguodala. If the four-time All-Star signs up, there is a chance he may not get extensive playing minutes under head coach Erik Spoelstra. Along with that comes the possibility that his numbers may take a dip.

Also, it would not be easy to sign DeRozan. The first step is presumed likely done - that of which is DeRozan opting out with the Spurs. On their end, Miami needs to see Kelly Olynyk do the same. There are also other players like Myers Leonard, Jae Crowder and Goran Dragic that factor in according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

The bottom line here is that Miami will need to give up some of its players. The ones mentioned are just a few of the possible names. Of that list, Olynyk and Dragic have frequently been rumored to be on the block. If things go accordingly, expect these two guys to be among the players likely moving out of South Beach.

As for DeRozan, the bigger question is do the Heat really need him? If ever, the 9th overall pick of the 2009 NBA Draft could sign up for short-term lease. There is no telling if he can get along with Butler or the young guys of the team. But then again, he is too tempting to pass up, meaning it all boils down to how team president Pat Riley can make it all work.