The Miami Heat’s pursuit of DeMar DeRozan from the Sacramento Kings has been a hot topic in the NBA world recently. ESPN’s Bobby Marks shed some light on the holdup in the trade deal, revealing that teams were hesitant to accept Duncan Robinson as part of the trade package.
“They would’ve loved to get DeRozan,” Marks disclosed. “They tried hard as heck to get DeRozan. Nobody wanted Robinson, no offense. They have one first-round pick to trade.”
Robinson, known for his sharpshooting abilities, had a solid season, averaging 12.9 points per game while shooting 45.0 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from beyond the arc. However, his defensive prowess leaves much to be desired, making him a liability on that end of the court. Moreover, with a hefty salary of $39.3 million over the next two seasons, Robinson’s trade value plummeted.
In contrast, the San Antonio Spurs were able to secure a more versatile player in the sign-and-trade deal. Harrison Barnes, acquired by the Spurs, brings a well-rounded skillset to the table, including 3-point shooting, low-post scoring, and solid defense. His experience and championship pedigree add further value to the Spurs’ roster, making him a more attractive trade asset than Robinson.
To acquire DeRozan and match his desired salary, the Heat would have had to part ways with either Terry Rozier or Tyler Herro. Both players are set to earn more than Robinson next season, with Rozier making $24.9 million and Herro earning $29 million annually, compared to DeRozan’s $24.6 million salary in his new deal.
Despite their efforts to land DeRozan, the Heat’s trade negotiations hit a roadblock due to the reluctance of other teams to accept Robinson in the deal. As the saga continues, it remains to be seen if Miami will find another route to secure the coveted star player.
