Report: Heat and Knicks are the preferred trade destinations for star

Both the Miami Heat and the New York Knicks are expected to be active ahead of the upcoming trade deadline, but their pursuit of reinforcements has recently become more urgent. The Heat and Knicks are currently dealing with untimely injuries amid trade rumors, with the Heat missing Tyler Herro and now Bam Adebayo.

Meanwhile, the Knicks will be without starting center and defensive anchor Mitchell Robinson for 8–10 weeks. Chicago Bulls guard DeMar DeRozan is widely expected to be dealt before the trade deadline after failing to come to terms on a contract extension with the team. And, were he to be traded, he reportedly has New York and Miami at the top of his wish list.

Will the Knicks or Heat trade for DeMar DeRozan before the trade deadline?

DeRozan wouldn't help New York on the defensive end in Robinson's absence, but he'd given them a reliable scorer and a skilled playmaker who could be a boost to their offense. Miami could use that offensive boost with their second and third leading scorers currently out, though Herro is due back before the New Year.

Unlike his teammate Zach LaVine, DeRozan is easier to acquire for the Knicks and Heat, given that he is on a reasonable $27 million expiring deal. The Knicks could use Evan Fournier's contract to help match salaries, while Kyle Lowry's expiring contract could do the same.

Trading for DeRozan would likely cost either team a first-round selection and both have picks available to trade, making a potential deal possible. With the Bulls looking increasingly like they will rebuild, moving on from DeRozan will likely be a priority, and multiple teams—not just the Knicks and Heat—will be looking to add him in hopes of improving their chances of making a deep playoff run.

Overall, DeRozan appears to be all but certain to be traded from the Bulls, and the Knicks and Heat are at the top of his list of preferred destinations. However, with the trade deadlines still about 2 months away, a deal may not be imminent, though both teams have reason to try and get a deal done sooner rather than later.

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