DeMar DeRozan has been playing decently for the San Antonio Spurs, but that was not enough to spare him from potential NBA trade talks last month. In fact, he and LaMarcus Aldridge were subject to trade talks, but nothing went down.
With the possibility of that likely happening this summer, DeRozan is unlikely to be part of it. The 30-year-old player revealed plans to opt out since talks with Spurs on a contract extension had not gotten anywhere. He would have made $27 million had he exercised his player option, Yahoo Sports reported.
This season, DeRozan has played in 61 games averaging 22.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists. He is logging in 34.5 minutes per game, but his efforts have failed to push the Spurs into the playoff picture. With 19 games left, San Antonio has low chances of making it to the next round.
As most know, the 9th pick of the 2009 NBA Draft joined the Spurs last season. San Antonio did make the playoffs but fell to the rising Denver Nuggets. Though most saw them doing better this season, it was just not the case. It was not mentioned, but this could be the reason why the Spurs are holding out for now. Gregg Popovich could have something in mind, and it appears rebuilding with new blood is what the Spurs are leaning towards.
As far as DeRozan, multiple teams are expected to look into the possibility of adding him. His expected salary will be a huge factor, possibly crossing out powerhouse teams like the Los Angeles Lakers or Los Angeles Clippers. Unless the 6-foot-6 cager is willing to take a big pay cut to win an NBA title, he is likely to end up with other teams who have a more flexible salary budget.
One team that could make sense is the Toronto Raptors. The team lost Kawhi Leonard, the same player who DeRozan was traded for to the Los Angeles Clippers. Pascal Siakam and Kyle Lowry are holding up the fort, so a reunion could be possible. But then again, it still depends on what Nick Nurse plans to do this summer.
The Philadelphia 76ers could be a plausible landing spot. Reports of Al Horford likely to be shopped have been going around, and DeRozan could be the shooter that Philly has been looking for. DeRozan could fill in that void and finally address the lack of outside firepower the Sixers are trying to resolve.
Other teams will enter the fray this summer. For now, DeRozan will have to finish the regular season - recently extended due to the coronavirus plague.
