DeMar DeRozan is free to sign wherever he wants, but everyone has forgotten about him. He may be the best player still available on the market. A multiple All-Star who was still averaging 24 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists last season. But between his age (35 in August), the limited space available under the cap for the main title candidates and the guy’s particular style of play, there is not a lot of interest in the Compton native. However, he has the talent to help some teams move up a level. Here is a quick overview of those who should at least consider signing him.
Clarification: given the amount to which he can claim, he will have to go through a sign&trade each time.
Los Angeles Lakers
This is the only real possibility that has been discussed so far. But it’s not necessarily the one that makes the most sense. Yes, DeRozan is from Los Angeles and it would be a return home. Yes, the Lakers are constantly looking for one more star to pair with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. But he’s not the player who best complements them.
Or maybe they do, but not with Austin Reaves. In short, the fit isn’t obvious. To get him, the Angelenos will probably have to sacrifice at least Jarred Vanderbilt or Rui Hachimura, with probably another player included in the trade to respect salary balance. Is it really worth it for a star who doesn’t add much to the ceiling of this group?
Los Angeles Clippers
Again, the fit with the pieces already in place isn’t super clear, but the Clippers potentially have an easier time bringing him in, by giving up PJ Tucker, Bones Hyland and Terance Mann for example. The franchise is moving into its new arena this season and it will want to be as competitive as possible in order to build a solid fan base to finally get out of the Lakers’ shadow.
DeMar DeRozan is also a potential insurance policy should Kawhi Leonard ever get injured again.
Denver Nuggets
A very intriguing option and one that has never been discussed – because it is particularly difficult to implement financially. It is true that DeRozan does not have the same profile as Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, the guard who has just left the Nuggets. But he can make the team evolve in an even more offensive register. Denver would have its third scorer in a row there, with an additional playmaker to create gaps while taking advantage of the presence of Nikola Jokic.
The All-Star guard is a very interesting new partner for the Serbian on the pick-and-roll and he could also be used as the first offensive option surrounded by four substitutes. Denver sometimes struggles to create play when Jokic rests. Even with Jamal Murray. DeRozan has flaws but he is an attack all by himself, despite his clumsiness on the outside. Moreover, here again, he could replace the Canadian in the event of the latter’s injury.
