Heat fans grow impatient with free agency

As NBA teams rush to sign new stars to challenge the reigning champion Boston Celtics, the Heat kicked off this week's free agency period with a whimper.

Why it matters: Heat fans won't be happy if the team retains its core group of players for a sixth season without improving the roster to compete with their Eastern Conference rivals.

Catch up quick: The 76ers and Knicks signed star forwards Paul George and Mikal Bridges over the past week, while Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell dashed Miami fans' hopes by announcing he would stay in Cleveland.

• The Heat, meanwhile, re-signed 35-year-old backup center Kevin Love to a two-year deal and signed little-known guard Dru Smith to a two-way contract ( after cutting him five previous times , per the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson.)
• Miami is also reportedly likely to lose starting forward Caleb Martin , a key piece of the Heat's recent playoff runs, as he looks for more money elsewhere.

Yes, but: The Heat are one of several teams interested in acquiring Bulls All-Star forward DeMar DeRozan , the Herald reports.

• DeRozan is also interested in coming to Miami, though the Heat would have to pull off a complicated deal to make that happen, per the Herald.

Context: A lack of first-round picks and new salary cap rules will make it hard for the Heat to trade for a superstar player, according to the Herald's Jackson .

• The Heat front office is philosophically opposed to blowing up the team to invest in the future, Jackson reports.
• Miami wants to compete for the playoffs every year, even if it seems they can't compete for a championship with their current roster. (Miami was the No. 8 seed in the East last season and got knocked out in the first round of the playoffs.)

What they're saying: "Pat Riley – PLEASE!!!" Heat fanpage Heat Nation posted on X, with an edited photo of the Heat president fast asleep.