Three years ago, DeMar DeRozan made waves in the NBA when he agreed to a sign-and-trade deal that sent him from the San Antonio Spurs to the Chicago Bulls. Now, as his $81.9 million contract with the Bulls approaches its conclusion, DeRozan finds himself at a crossroads in his career.
During his final season with the Spurs, the versatile guard earned $27.7 million, solidifying his status as a valuable asset. At 33 years old, DeRozan remains one of the league’s most reliable and experienced players, and his future is being watched closely by several teams.
Lakers Making Moves
The Los Angeles Lakers are a team to watch in the looming DeRozan sweepstakes. According to Jovan Buha, "The Lakers are making some kind of play for DeRozan." Their projected payroll is just above the second apron of $188.9 million, especially after re-signing LeBron James. While cap space is tight, the Lakers’ interest in adding DeRozan could indicate a significant roster shake-up in an attempt to solidify their championship prospects.
Miami Heat's Interest
Meanwhile, the Miami Heat have shown a keen interest in DeRozan. Barry Jackson reported, "The Heat are expected to follow up with DeRozan." Miami, known for its strong free agency pulls, might be an attractive option for DeRozan, offering him a chance to compete at a high level in the Eastern Conference.
Other Suitors with Cap Space
The Detroit Pistons and the Utah Jazz are both teams with ample cap space who could make competitive offers for DeRozan. However, the Jazz might have other plans, as they could use their cap space to renegotiate and extend Lauri Markkanen's contract in August. This potential decision might shape how aggressively they move in pursuing DeRozan.
Teams with Trade Exceptions
Trade exceptions may also come into play for acquiring DeRozan. The Atlanta Hawks possess a $25 million trade exception, while the Brooklyn Nets have a $23 million exception. These assets could be pivotal in orchestrating a trade deal that accommodates DeRozan’s salary and desired terms.
DeRozan’s Patience in Free Agency
DeRozan appears to be in no rush to make a decision. Chris Haynes noted that "DeRozan is willing to be 'very patient' this time around." This patience stems from his understanding of the market and his value within it. As Adrian Wojnarowski affirmed, "DeRozan will not be 'left out there in the marketplace.'"
Contractual Conditions
Any sign-and-trade deal involving DeRozan must span a minimum of three years, with only the first year fully guaranteed. It’s also clear that DeRozan will not entertain the idea of signing for the non-taxpayer midlevel exception, which currently stands at $12.9 million. These conditions set a high bar for potential suitors, ensuring that only serious contenders with the right financial structure will remain in the conversation.
Dark Horse Candidate: Sacramento Kings
One team emerging as an unexpected contender is the Sacramento Kings. Marc Spears referred to them as a "dark horse to get DeRozan." The Kings, known to be active in exploring talent upgrades, might surprise many by making a strong push for DeRozan. Their interest is further highlighted by the Bulls' reciprocated interest in Kings' wing Kevin Huerter, potentially setting the stage for a mutually beneficial deal.
As free agency looms, DeRozan’s next move is set to be one of the most intriguing stories of the offseason. With multiple teams lining up and the player himself in no hurry, the market is poised for some dramatic developments. The anticipation around where DeRozan lands next is a testament to his enduring excellence and the high stakes involved for all parties.