Warriors and Heat eye DeMar DeRozan amid LeBron James free‑agency saga

The Golden State Warriors are reportedly evaluating veteran forward DeMar DeRozan as a backup plan while they await LeBron James’s free‑agency decision. Sources say internal discussions are under way, noting DeRozan’s 18.4 points per game last season with the Sacramento Kings and his veteran‑minimum contract expectations could give the Warriors flexibility as Stephen Curry, now 38, looks for additional scoring support.

The Miami Heat have also emerged as a potential destination. With the Toronto Raptors unable to offer a competitive deal because of salary‑cap constraints, the Heat’s interest has grown, especially if James signs with another Eastern Conference team. DeRozan’s free‑agency market is unusually linked to James’s choice, and teams such as Cleveland and Philadelphia are similarly positioned to pivot toward DeRozan should James sign elsewhere.