RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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The Miami Heat traded Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware and three first-round picks to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks in June, giving them one of the three best players in the world. That deal changed the franchise's ceiling. What it did not resolve was the roster around Antetokounmpo.
Several experienced names have since entered Miami's free agency discussions, including Russell Westbrook, Klay Thompson, DeMar DeRozan, Bradley Beal, D'Angelo Russell and Nick Richards. One anonymous NBA scout evaluated all six this week, and his assessments landed in very different places depending on the player.
NBA scout delivers honest verdict on Klay Thompson's Miami fit
The scout speaking anonymously to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel was asked to assess Miami's full list of veteran targets. They highlighted why many of these players come with major risks.
Thompson, one of Curry's most decorated Warriors teammates, drew a notably measured take. The 36-year-old averaged career lows of 11.7 points and shot 39.3 percent from the field in his one season with the Dallas Mavericks . He has one year left on his contract at approximately $17.5 million and remains a buyout candidate.
The scout acknowledged the obvious decline while stopping short of writing Thompson off entirely. "He's not the defender he used to be. He can't create his own shot, but he can still make shots," the scout said . "I mean, on a given night, he'll get you 17 points, maybe. I don't think it's going to be as regular, but I don't think you should have high expectations. But he's not through completely. You don't stick a fork in him yet."
The scout's strongest language, by contrast, was reserved for Russell Westbrook. Westbrook averaged 15.2 points and 6.7 assists for the Sacramento Kings last season while shooting 33.8 percent from three, and entered free agency after the Kings declined to retain him. The Houston Rockets have been named as the only reported NBA suitor with speculation about overseas opportunities also surfacing. The former nine-time All-Star turns 38 before the 2026-27 season begins.
"I wouldn't touch him in a million years," the scout said of Westbrook. "He can't shoot. He plays his own way. He doesn't really defend."
With two of Miami's most discussed targets drawing lukewarm-to-scathing reviews, there is still one name many Heat fans are excited about.
DeMar DeRozan stands out as Miami Heat's best veteran option
DeRozan drew the scout's most favorable evaluation among all six players. The 36-year-old averaged 18.4 points and shot 49.7 percent from the field after a buyout from Sacramento and entered free agency attracting significant interest, with Miami reportedly among the suitors as the Heat look to add a scoring punch to pair with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
The scout's only concern was fit, given that DeRozan has come off the bench just 12 times in his entire career, all as a rookie in 2009-10. That fit question isn't unique to DeRozan - Antetokounmpo's own fit questions have already drawn scrutiny from a former Heat great, and Miami's other veteran scoring target, Klay Thompson, faces similar questions about what he still has left in the tank. For more on the Heat's roster build this offseason, see Sporting News' full NBA news hub.
"He's got more left than Klay," the scout said of DeRozan. "As a sixth man, he's a cut above Thompson, for sure." Bradley Beal, who appeared in just six games for the Los Angeles Clippers before undergoing surgery and averaged 8.2 points on 37.5 percent shooting, was described as a "total crapshoot." D'Angelo Russell ranked above both Beal and Westbrook in the scout's pecking order, though his defensive limitations were mostly flagged.
The scout's six evaluations collectively suggest that Miami must target fit over reputation heading into training camp. Klay Thompson and DeRozan both offer offensive value, but the spacing concerns created by adding either player alongside Giannis and Bam Adebayo will require serious consideration before any contract is signed.
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Steph Curry and Warriors reportedly eyeing a familiar face after failed LeBron James’ pursuit
Mavericks deal major setback to rivals in firm Kyrie Irving trade decision
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