Scout: DeMar DeRozan would be better fit than Klay Thompson for Heat

The Heat continue to be linked to Klay Thompson. Not everyone believes he’s the best remaining option.

According to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel, one longtime NBA scout believes Miami would be better off pursuing DeMar DeRozan if the Heat are looking to add another veteran scorer before the season.

“He’s got more left than Klay,” the scout told Winderman.

Thompson, of course, remains under contract with the Mavericks, meaning Miami would either have to swing a trade or hope Dallas eventually agrees to a buyout. The Heat have reportedly been willing to remain patient if that scenario develops.

But the scout questioned what the 36-year-old Thompson would still have to offer while also expressing little enthusiasm for Bradley Beal or Russell Westbrook.

DeRozan, on the other hand, was viewed as the strongest option still available.

The scout acknowledged there are questions about fit alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, particularly because of DeRozan’s preference for operating with the ball and the potential spacing concerns.

Even so, he suggested DeRozan could thrive in a sixth-man role.

“He would bolster their bench and maybe finish games, too,” the scout said. “He’s a cut above Thompson, for sure.”

That, of course, comes with one obvious caveat.

DeRozan has started all but 12 games during his NBA career, and those 12 came as a rookie. Whether he’d embrace a reserve role remains anyone’s guess.