sportingnews
The NBA offseason continues to generate buzz, even after LeBron James' decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers was announced. Since then, the Miami Heat have been aggressively working to strengthen their roster, with Klay Thompson emerging as a key target.
Thompson has become the Heat's top priority, according to reports, as they look to add shooting. However, the team is reportedly waiting for Thompson to secure a buyout from the Dallas Mavericks rather than pursuing a trade. Miami is also preserving cap flexibility for the four-time NBA champion, according to the Miami Herald. ESPN's Shams Charania noted that Thompson has one year left on his Mavs contract, and the Heat are exploring trade or buyout options.
While Thompson has gained momentum, DeMar DeRozan has also surfaced as a viable option. One NBA scout told Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel that DeRozan might be the better choice. The scout stated, "[DeMar] has more left than Klay. But stylistically is the problem. He's got to come off the bench. If he could accept the role as a six-man type, he would bolster their bench and maybe finish games. He's not going to defend, he did start to pass the ball a little. But that's not why you have him. As a sixth man, considering the other options, he's a cut above Thompson."
Key Analysis
DeRozan, who has earned $305 million over his NBA career, offers more offensive versatility than Thompson, who is primarily a catch-and-shoot specialist. DeRozan can create his own shot and get to his preferred spots on the floor, which could be valuable for Miami. The Heat would benefit from adding either veteran, but there is growing belief that DeRozan has more left in the tank at this stage of his career.
Originally reported by sportingnews.