3 Title Contenders Who Could Make a Play for DeMar DeRozan in the 2025 Offseason
As the 2025 NBA offseason heats up, one name quietly gaining traction in front offices around the league is DeMar DeRozan. Entering his 16th season, the six-time All-Star may not be the athletic dynamo he once was, but his savvy mid-range game, elite playmaking, and veteran poise make him a prime target for contenders seeking that final piece to push them over the top.
Here are three championship hopefuls who could benefit most from trading for DeRozan this summer:
1. Miami Heat: A Culture Fit and Offensive Spark
The Heat have long valued players who bring professionalism, toughness, and mid-range mastery—DeRozan checks all the boxes. With Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo as defensive anchors, Miami needs a secondary offensive engine who can alleviate pressure in the half-court. DeRozan’s ability to create shots and orchestrate late-game possessions would give Erik Spoelstra the kind of offensive weapon they lacked in recent playoff runs.
A package centered around young players like Jaime Jaquez Jr., a future pick, and expiring salary could be enough to entice a sign-and-trade.
2. Philadelphia 76ers: A Third Star Beside Embiid and Maxey
The Sixers are gearing up to make a big splash this offseason, armed with cap space and a clear need for a third star. DeRozan’s offensive versatility and unselfish nature would mesh beautifully with Joel Embiid’s interior dominance and Tyrese Maxey’s explosive backcourt scoring. He would bring stability to Philly’s crunch-time offense, something that has haunted them in recent playoff exits.
With the right sign-and-trade structure, Philly could add DeRozan without sacrificing its core or defensive identity.
3. Sacramento Kings: Veteran Firepower for a Young Core
The Kings are on the cusp of breaking through in the West, but their youth and inexperience have cost them in key moments. Enter DeRozan—an experienced closer who thrives in isolation and can serve as a calming presence late in games. Pairing him with De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis would give Sacramento a formidable trio capable of challenging any team in a seven-game series.
They could dangle tradeable assets like Harrison Barnes and draft capital to make the deal work, upgrading both their scoring and leadership.
Final Thoughts
While DeRozan may no longer be a franchise centerpiece, he remains one of the most reliable scorers and playmakers in the league. For teams knocking on the championship door, his veteran presence and clutch ability could be the missing ingredient. Don’t be surprised if one of these contenders makes a serious push to land him before the 2025-26 season tips off.
