Portland is not currently pursuing free agent swingman DeMar DeRozan, league sources say, despite reports to the contrary.
More on DeMar DeRozan: Recent HoopsHype Rumors
DeMar DeRozan: In closing, I remain the same. I come as I leave… — 8/3/2026 x.com
“But if he could accept the role as a six-man type, he would bolster their bench and maybe finish games, too, I guess. No doubt, he can do that, as a finisher. Yeah, you could go to him. I think he’s still got some go-to ability.” As for the rest of his game? “I mean, he’s not going to defend,” the scout continued. “When he was with San Antonio, he did start to pass the ball a little. But that’s not why you have him. That’s not his strength. But as a sixth man, considering the other options, he’s a cut above Thompson, for sure.”
— 8/1/2026 South Florida Sun-Sentinel
DeMar DeRozan, 36, likely could create a bidding war, if so desired, but likely would be limited by the Heat to an offer of his $3.9 million veteran minimum, which would count $2.5 million against the cap, tax and aprons. “Well, he’s got more left than Klay,” the scout said. “But stylistically is the problem. He’s got to come off the bench — and he’s never come off the bench in his entire career (12 total times, all as a rookie in 2009-10). With him, Bam and Giannis, there would be no spacing. And he’s ball dominant. — 8/1/2026 South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Sources say the Cavs have expressed interest in free agents DeMar DeRozan, Peyton Watson and Jonathan Kuminga. DeRozan, the 17-year NBA veteran, was waived by Sacramento a little more than three weeks ago and has been viewed leaguewide as a possible low-cost target for any team that missed on LeBron. There’s an argument that DeRozan is the best available free agent. — 7/31/2026 Cleveland Plain Dealer
Among the free agents currently available who the Heat has already shown some level of interest in are veteran guard Bradley Beal and veteran forward DeMar DeRozan. The Heat has had discussions with the representatives for both players, according to league sources. But league sources say the Heat has prioritized three-point shooting guard Klay Thompson, who is still under contract with the Dallas Mavericks and is due $17.5 million this upcoming season in the final year of his contract. This means that Miami would need to either trade for Thompson or hope he shakes free through a buyout agreement. — 7/31/2026 Miami Herald
Oh No He Didn't: Shams: "One new team over the last several days that has had some conversations with DeMar DeRozan: the Washington Wizards" — 7/28/2026 x.com
Heat Central: REPORT: The Miami Heat are targeting DeMar DeRozan and Klay Thompson, per @ShamsCharania “I’m told Miami, Denver, and Cleveland are among the teams interested in DeMar DeRozan… There is a player out west that is overlapping with DeRozan as far as interest from teams. That is Klay Thompson. I’m told the Heat are among several championship contending teams that are monitoring Thompsons situation potentially via trade or buyout.” — 7/27/2026 x.com
Though the Heat has interest in DeRozan and appreciates his skills, at least one Heat official wants to be patient and wait out the market before making a move with one of the team’s three open roster spots, a source said. Heat president Pat Riley has said that decisions are made by the organization collectively, among several people. DeRozan has interest in the Heat, but he has other suitors and Miami must determine quickly whether they will move forward with any offer involving at least some of the Heat’s remaining $8 million in exception money. — 7/26/2026 Miami Herald
The Heat and free agent Demar DeRozan have had mutual interest in the past, and fresh conversations are expected in the wake of James picking the 76ers. — 7/24/2026 Miami Herald
Heat Central: The Miami Heat will shift their focus to DeMar DeRozan, Bradley Beal, and Klay Thompson after missing out on LeBron James, per @ShamsCharania “They had a very compelling pitch…. Now they’ll shift their focus to players like DeMar DeRozan, Bradley Beal, and could you find a player like Klay Thompson on the buyout market” — 7/24/2026 x.com
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Blazers not interested in DeMar DeRozan
