One of the last major free agents still to sign for a new team is 36-year-old veteran wing DeMar DeRozan. Waived by the Sacramento Kings, the six-time All-Star still has plenty to offer teams looking for shot creation and scoring at a highly efficient clip.
Now that LeBron James has chosen Philadelphia as his destination, teams can put their focus on other assets, including DeRozan.
According to reports, a fellow Eastern Conference contender is considered the current leader in the DeRozan free agent sweepstakes.
NBA Insider Names Team Currently Leading DeMar DeRozan Sweepstakes
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer of the ‘Stein Line’ and ‘Bleacher Report,’ the most likely destination for DeRozan’s services is the Miami Heat, to pair with newly acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Fischer points out that the Heat have in fact been interested in DeRozan for years: “Miami Heat have been a DeRozan landing spot for years now; there’s been so much connectivity between him and the Heat, I do think the Heat seem to be the most likely scenario for DeMar DeRozan right now.”
This destination makes plenty of sense, as they could use some more shot creation and shooting on the roster as it stands.
REPORT: The Miami Heat are still seen as the MOST LIKELY destination for DeMar DeRozan, per @JakeLFischer
“Miami Heat have been a Derozan landing spot for years now, there’s been so much connectivity between him and the Heat and I do think the Heat seem to be the most likely… https://t.co/S4luhcVgI4 pic.twitter.com/noScZo0IsA
— The HEAT Realm (@WadexFlash) July 28, 2026
He isn’t the only option for the Heat; they are also heavily linked to legendary shooter Klay Thompson, currently with the Dallas Mavericks.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, he is seen as their “priority” via trade or buyout.
Fischer also mentions in his update that DeRozan has a “pretty wide market,” increasing the chances of getting the MLE or north of the veteran’s minimum.
Other teams credited with interest: “There’s been some interest from Denver. There’s been some interest from Cleveland; Cleveland, I think, is complicated because they are still involved in Jonathan Kuminga as well,” stated the insider.
The Nuggets are financially limited because they are over the second apron, so they can only offer a minimum contract.
Furthermore, if the Cavs are able to pull off a sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks for Kuminga, it would likely take them out of the DeRozan race. This leaves the Heat, who Fischer believes are currently the best bet: “Miami is probably his best bet at making north of the vet minimum.”
Another team that has checked in heavily with DeRozan is the Washington Wizards, according to insider Charania. “…A team that’s clearly trying to compete around Anthony Davis, Trae Young and AJ Dybantsa.”
They could be of interest to the sharp-shooter, as they can offer DeRozan the full non-taxpayer Mid-Level Exception and around 11 million in luxury tax space.
DeRozan averaged 18.4 points per game on an efficient 49.7% shooting from the field – his most efficient season since 2022-23 with the Chicago Bulls. Plus, his effective field goal percentage mark of 52% was also his best mark since 2022, showing he still has plenty left in the tank despite turning 37 in August.
