As DeMar DeRozan looks to leave the rebuilding Chicago Bulls, multiple teams are vying for the six-time All-Star and three-time All-NBA selection. DeRozan, now 34, averaged 24.0 points per game on 48.0 percent shooting last season, making him a highly sought-after free agent. The Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, and Sacramento Kings have all been linked to DeRozan this offseason, each hoping to boost their championship prospects by adding the seasoned scorer.
For the Lakers, DeRozan would join forces with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, while the Clippers would pair him with Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. The Kings’ offensive game plan revolves around De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, and the Heat remain committed to Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. In these teams, DeRozan would not need to be the primary option but rather a valuable complementary piece.
However, these top-tier contenders aren’t the only ones interested in DeRozan. The San Antonio Spurs have emerged as a potential destination, according to Miami Herald reporter Barry Jackson. Jackson’s insights carry weight, particularly since he has a strong background as a Heat insider and given DeRozan’s genuine interest in playing for Miami. Despite this, the Heat currently can’t meet DeRozan’s contract demands, which reportedly exceed the full mid-level exception of $12.9 million. The Heat can only offer the $5.2 million taxpayer’s mid-level exception at present. Discussions have occurred about a double sign-and-trade involving Caleb Martin, but no concrete steps have been taken.
Given these circumstances, a reunion between DeRozan and Gregg Popovich in San Antonio is a plausible scenario. This move would accelerate the Spurs’ rebuilding efforts, centered around key players like Victor Wembanyama, Chris Paul, and Devin Vassell. The Spurs have $16.2 million in projected cap space and could potentially sign DeRozan outright by trading another player to balance his salary.
Contracts belonging to Keldon Johnson and Zach Collins become valuable trade assets in this context. Collins, in particular, might interest the Bulls as they seek a more athletic center to replace Nikola Vucevic. With two years and $34.8 million left on his contract, Collins could be a key part of a trade package. If the Spurs can acquire DeRozan by parting with only a couple of second-round picks, it would be an even more favorable outcome.
Should DeRozan join the Spurs, his experience, alongside Chris Paul, would bring invaluable leadership to the young team, despite Victor Wembanyama likely leading statistically. On the court, Paul’s playmaking abilities and DeRozan’s scoring would revitalize the Spurs’ offense. While adding two older players might raise defensive concerns, Wembanyama’s defensive potential could mitigate these issues. Essentially, DeRozan and Paul would complement Wembanyama, creating a mutually beneficial dynamic on the team.
In summary, DeRozan’s next move could significantly impact whichever team he joins. The Spurs, with their available cap space and potential trade assets, stand out as a strong contender to acquire the accomplished veteran. His presence would not only aid in their immediate performance but also provide mentorship to their younger talents, particularly Wembanyama.
