The Heat may be in the lead for Kyle Lowry and they are looking at paths that bring in his former teammate DeMar DeRozan as well, Longtime NBA journalist Marc Stein hears.
Miami contemplated a trade for DeRozan prior to the trade deadline, FortyEightMinutes reported back in March, though it wouldn’t have been feasible to trade for both Lowry and DeRozan then because of their respective high salaries. While there are still hurdles to bringing the two former Raptors to South Beach, the franchise will have a little more flexibility this offseason.
The team picked up Goran Dragic‘s $19.4 million team option, though it’s widely expected that Dragic’s salary will be used to help facilitate a sign-and-trade of some sort. The club also cleared some cap space by declining Andre Iguodala‘s $15 million team option (the former Finals MVP is expected to meet with the Warriors during free agency, per Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press).
Lowry, DeRozan, and Jimmy Butler remain close friends, as Anthony Chaing of the Miami Herald tweets. The trio played together for Team USA during the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.
More NBA Rumors
- The Warriors, Raptors, Heat, and Nuggets have all spoken to the Sixers about a Ben Simmons trade, Bally Sports’ Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson relays (video link). The Raptors are said to be high Simmons and it was previously reported that the Warriors turned down the Sixers’ proposal for Simmons, which include James Wiseman and multiple first-round picks. Robinson believes Denver may ultimately be Philadelphia’s best trade partner if Michael Porter Jr. is on the table.
- The Knicks and Carmelo Anthony could be heading for a reunion, as ESPN’s Jordan Schultz explains (Twitter link). Team president Leon Rose was previously Anthony’s agent and per Schultz, the two still have a great relationship.
- The Bulls are open to working with Lauri Markkanen on a sign-and-trade that sends him elsewhere. The Timberwolves, Spurs, and Thunder are among the teams interested in the former No. 7 overall pick, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype hears.
- The Cavaliers will not extend a qualifying offer to center Isaiah Hartenstein, per
Scotto. Hartenstein will enter the market as an unrestricted free agent.
