7 Players who might replace DeMar DeRozan before the trade deadline
By Tyler Watts
6. Kyle Lowry
The Heat are rumored to be one of DeRozan’s preferred destinations (subscription required), and Miami is always looking for another star. Damian Lillard wanted to come to South Beach, but the Blazers sent him to Milwaukee. The Heat will be searching for another top-end talent before the deadline, and DeRozan figures to be one of the best players available.
Miami has three significant salaries they could use in a deal with the Bulls. Chicago won’t want to pay Duncan Robinson next season, which leaves Tyler Herro and Lowry as the two most likely.
Lowry is the team’s starting point guard, despite being past his prime. He averages just 9.4 points, 4.3 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 29.3 minutes per game. The six-time All-Star is on the decline, and the Heat would love to upgrade before Feb. 8.
If the Bulls want to maximize their draft capital, they could ask for Kyle Lowry as the matching salary. Chicago would have no interest in the veteran point and would likely buy him out of his contract. It would force the Miami Heat to give up picks and young talent, which should be the Bulls’ focus.
Lowry’s market would be limited as teams over the second tax apron would be unable to sign him. Still, the veteran point guard would likely find a home on a contender if the Heat trade him for DeRozan.