Three years ago, veteran NBA star DeMar DeRozan embarked on a new journey, agreeing to a sign-and-trade deal that landed him with the Chicago Bulls. Fast forward to today, and DeRozan's three-year, $81.9 million contract with the Bulls is reaching its conclusion, making him one of the most intriguing figures in the upcoming free agency period.
The San Antonio Spurs Stint
Before making his move to Chicago, DeRozan spent the last season with the San Antonio Spurs, where he earned a substantial $27.7 million. Over his tenure with the Spurs, DeRozan solidified his reputation as a consistent scorer and an adaptable veteran, traits that continue to make him a hot commodity on the free agency market.
Interest from Multiple Teams
Now at 33 years old, DeRozan is set to attract significant interest from various teams. According to NBA insider Jovan Buha, "The Lakers are making some kind of play for DeRozan," indicating that Los Angeles is keen on bolstering its roster. The Lakers, however, have a projected payroll just above the second apron of $188.9 million after re-signing LeBron James, which could complicate their efforts.
Similarly, Barry Jackson reports, "The Heat are expected to follow up with DeRozan," suggesting that Miami is also in the mix. The Heat's interest comes amidst their continuous search for seasoned talent to complement their core players and enhance their playoff aspirations.
Adding to the potential suitors, both the Detroit Pistons and the Utah Jazz possess the necessary cap space to make a competitive offer for DeRozan. The Jazz, however, might redirect their financial resources to renegotiate and extend Lauri Markkanen's contract in August, which could impact their pursuit of DeRozan.
Other Possible Destinations
The Atlanta Hawks, equipped with a $25 million trade exception, and the Brooklyn Nets, owning a $23 million trade exception, are also potential landing spots. These exceptions can be strategically employed to accommodate DeRozan’s market value, providing the Hawks and Nets with flexibility in negotiations.
Despite the numerous teams circling, DeRozan has expressed a willingness to take his time in making a decision. Chris Haynes shared that DeRozan is willing to be "very patient" this time around, indicating a thoughtful approach to his next move. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski echoes this sentiment, noting, "DeRozan will not be 'left out there in the marketplace,'" underscoring the high demand for his services.
The Bulls' Moves and Dark Horse Candidates
It's worth noting that a sign-and-trade deal for DeRozan must span a minimum of three years, with only the first year fully guaranteed. This could influence how teams approach negotiations, particularly those with stringent salary cap considerations. Moreover, DeRozan has ruled out signing for the non-taxpayer midlevel exception, which currently stands at $12.9 million, making it clear that he seeks a more lucrative contract.
As teams vie for DeRozan's talents, one unexpected contender has emerged: the Sacramento Kings. Marc Spears describes the Kings as a "dark horse to get DeRozan," a move that could shake up the Western Conference’s dynamics. Concurrently, the Bulls have shown interest in Kings wing Kevin Huerter, setting the stage for a potential trade scenario that could benefit both teams.
As DeRozan navigates this critical juncture in his career, the NBA world watches closely. With multiple franchises ready to bring him onboard and the player himself adopting a patient stance, the next chapter for DeRozan is poised to add another compelling layer to his illustrious career.