Duncan Robinson’s trade value hurt Heat’s pursuit of DeMar DeRozan

According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Miami Heat were unable to sign six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan in a sign-and-trade deal due in part to Duncan Robinson’s low trade value.

“They would have loved to get DeMar DeRozan,” Marks said during an appearance on Thursday at NBA today. “They tried very hard to get DeMar DeRozan, but nobody wanted Duncan Robinson, no offense. They had a first-round pick to trade.”

Instead, DeRozan landed with the Sacramento Kings on Monday in a separate sign-and-trade deal with a new three-year contract worth $74 million.

As part of the trade of all three teams, which included the San Antonio Spurs, the Kings traded Harrison Barnes and Chris Duarte.

Robinson has two seasons left on the five-year, $90 million contract he signed with Miami in 2021. However, only $9.8 million of his $19.8 million salary is guaranteed for the 2025-26 season (per Spotrac).

His remaining contract value likely didn’t interest Chicago, as the team has moved to a younger roster following the previous trade of veteran Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Bulls received 21-year-old Josh Giddey in return and will pair him with 24-year-old Coby White. At 30, Robinson wouldn’t fit the team’s schedule.

Still, he’s coming off an improved 2023-24 season. Robinson averaged 12.9 points and 2.8 assists per game, shooting 45.0 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from three-point range. However, he finished with the lowest net rating of any Heat player who appeared in at least 50 games last season (via NBA.com).

Miami had a quiet offseason as the team re-signed players such as Kevin Love and Haywood Highsmith. The Heat also had to trade other players on the free agent market. Caleb Martin joined the Philadelphia 76ers on a four-year, $32 million contract.

One bright spot for Miami was the play of 2024 first-round pick Kel’el Ware, who scored 26 points in a Summer League win on Sunday. If the 20-year-old center continues his strong play, the Heat may be able to add to their trade packages for future stars.