Heat's DeRozan pursuit heats up after LeBron's Sixers move

The Miami Heat has identified free agent DeMar DeRozan as a key fallback option after LeBron James signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. DeRozan, recently waived by the Sacramento Kings, is reportedly seeking a contract in the $8-$10 million range, rejecting a veteran minimum deal. This pursuit, however, is complicated by Miami's primary focus on acquiring Dallas Mavericks star Klay Thompson.

Thompson, who has one year left on his contract, is Miami's highest priority. The Heat hopes the Mavericks will buy out the remaining $17 million on Thompson's contract, though Dallas appears reluctant. A trade involving Nikola Jovic is also a possibility, but a buyout is considered the cleaner path. The Heat faces competition for DeRozan from the Cleveland Cavaliers and Washington Wizards, adding further complexity to their offseason plans.