NBA Trade Rumors: Heat targeting veteran All-Star to salvage Bam Adebayo’s prime after playoff letdown

The Miami Heat had a second consecutive first-round playoff exit this season. After securing a playoff spot through the play-in tournament, a sweep by the Cleveland Cavaliers, the No. 1-seeded team in the East, exposed the Heat's system flaws.

Although Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro have become the franchise’s two cornerstones after Jimmy Butler left for the Warriors in a messy exit, they need a third star to help them make a deep run.

On Monday, Heat Nation reported that the Miami front office wants to add DeMar DeRozan as the third superstar. The deal has not been confirmed, but the midrange assassin is preferred.

Per Spotrac, DeRozan has two years left on his 3-year $73,890,000 contract, which he signed with the Chicago Bulls before moving to the Sacramento Kings through a sign-and-trade deal. However, the Kings have started rebuilding after firing their head coach and general manager by the end of this season.

DeMar DeRozan might not be in Sacramento's plans, and they will most likely be interested in trading him to get younger players and some draft capital. However, the six-time All-Star might fit the Bam Adebayo-led squad well.

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How would DeMar DeRozan fit with the Miami Heat?

DeMar DeRozan has made a name for himself as an elite midrange shooter who is difficult to guard on his jumpers. His retro play style would have earned him much fame before the three-point revolution in the NBA. DeRozan's arrival in Miami would benefit everyone.

In his prime, Bam Adebayo would get a reliable second man to pose a threat inside the arc and create space for him under the paint. Likewise, DeRozan would enable Adebayo to be a serious threat in lob plays and pick-and-rolls.

He would also free up Tyler Herro around the 3-point range and on the wings, giving him more good looks. DeMar DeRozan averaged 22.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game. The six-time All-Star would play a similar role to Jimmy Butler and can lead the Heat to success like their 2022 NBA Finals run.