RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesThe Miami Heat were a frontrunner in the LeBron sweepstakes, with many people around the NBA , including their social media team, believing James was going to sign there. Instead, Miami missed out on King James.
Miami knew that after making the blockbuster deal to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo, it had to sign another notable free agent to become a contender in the Eastern Conference.
Since LeBron waited until the end of free agency to make his decision, there aren’t many options left for Miami. Still, there are three free agents the Heat could target to establish themselves as legitimate contenders.
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DeMar DeRozan
Apr 3, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard DeMar DeRozan (10) during the third quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images DeRozan was released by the Sacramento Kings earlier this offseason, and he would likely be the best fit in Miami.
DeRozan is entering his 17th NBA season and proved last year that he still has plenty left in the tank. He averaged 18 points per game in 77 games. Miami is lacking significant guard play, with its projected starting backcourt consisting of Davion Mitchell and Tim Hardaway Jr. Those players aren’t bad, but on a championship contender they’re probably better suited as depth pieces.
DeRozan has a couple of options in free agency, with several teams scrambling to make a move after LeBron signed with Philadelphia.
Bradley Beal
The Los Angeles Clippers recently traded Kawhi Leonard, signaling the start of a rebuild, so they likely won’t re-sign Bradley Beal.
Beal played just six games last season, but when healthy, he’s still an elite scorer in the league. We’re only five years removed from Beal leading the NBA in scoring at 31 points per game. It’s clear Miami needs help in the backcourt, and he could take some of the offensive burden off Giannis and Bam Adebayo.
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Bennedict Mathurin
Apr 5, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; LA Clippers guard Bennedict Mathurin (9) during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images Though Bennedict Mathurin is a restricted free agent, rumors are circulating that the Clippers are looking for sign-and-trade partners.
Mathurin is entering his fifth season and has established himself as a reliable scorer. The young guard was traded to Los Angeles last year in a deal with the Indiana Pacers. He has consistently averaged around 17 points per game throughout his young career while making slight improvements in nearly every other statistical category. Mathurin is the youngest and most athletic option, but he would also be the most difficult player for the Heat to acquire.
If the Heat want to become true contenders, Mathurin might be their best option.
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