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By Rowan Fisher-Shotton
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LeBron James' decision to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers changed everything for several franchises.
The Golden State Warriors now need to decide whether they're comfortable running it back with just Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler. The Cleveland Cavaliers, meanwhile, might have to settle for a core of Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen.
But potentially the biggest loser of the LeBron sweepstakes is the Miami Heat, who still desperately need more star power, specifically on the wing, to pair with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
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DeMar DeRozan could be their next target.
According to reporting from the Miami Herald, the Heat and DeRozan have had mutual interest in the past, and "fresh conversations" between the two sides are expected in the wake of James' decision to join Philly.
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DeRozan hasn't made an All-NBA team in six years, but he's still one of the game's most reliable scorers. The six-time All-Star has averaged at least 20 points per game in 12 of his last 13 seasons and currently ranks 16th on the NBA's all-time scoring list. He's also become a more effective passer in recent years, averaging at least four assists per game in nine straight seasons.
Even in his age-36 season with the Sacramento Kings, DeRozan averaged 18.4 points, 4.1 assists, and 2.9 rebounds while appearing in 77 games. He shot 49.7% from the field and 32% from three-point range.
DeRozan is one of the league's longest-tenured players, and he's still one of the most reliable midrange scorers and playmakers in basketball.
That could make him particularly appealing to Miami.
When the Heat brought in Antetokounmpo, some pegged them as immediate contenders in the Eastern Conference. However, Miami is still lacking proven scoring on the wing, with just Andrew Wiggins and the freshly inked Tim Hardaway Jr. under contract next season.
They gave up Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel'el Ware, and Kasparas Jakucionis in the trade for Antetokounmpo and lost Norman Powell in free agency. Yet, the only new face they've brought in is Hardaway.
The fit with DeRozan isn't necessarily the cleanest, primarily because he's not the high-volume 3-point shooter Miami needs. But his ability to attack the midrange and create his own shot late in games could prove valuable for a contender like the Heat.
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