Three years ago, DeMar DeRozan's career took a notable turn as he agreed to a sign-and-trade deal that brought him to the Chicago Bulls from the San Antonio Spurs. In his final season with the Spurs, DeRozan earned a substantial $27.7 million. His move to the Bulls involved an $81.9 million contract over three years, which is now approaching its conclusion.
At 33 years old, DeRozan finds himself once again at a pivotal point in his career. As his contract with the Bulls concludes, DeRozan's next move has become a topic of keen interest across the league. The landscape is ripe with possibilities, and several teams have emerged as potential suitors for the veteran swingman.
Potential Suitors Line Up
The Los Angeles Lakers, fresh off re-signing LeBron James and pushing their projected payroll just above the second apron of $188.9 million, are reportedly making a play for DeRozan. Jovan Buha notes, "The Lakers are making some kind of play for DeRozan," indicating the storied franchise's interest in adding his scoring prowess to their ranks.
Meanwhile, the Miami Heat are also expressing interest. Barry Jackson reports, "The Heat are expected to follow up with DeRozan," which could signal a significant move for a team always looking to add experienced talent into their mix.
Financial Flexibility and Trade Opportunities
Financial maneuvering is crucial in the NBA, and both the Detroit Pistons and the Utah Jazz have the cap space to present DeRozan with competitive offers. The Jazz, however, may choose to use their cap space to negotiate and extend Lauri Markkanen's contract in August, potentially impacting their ability to pursue DeRozan.
Additionally, there are notable trade exceptions that could come into play. The Atlanta Hawks possess a $25 million trade exception, while the Brooklyn Nets hold a $23 million trade exception. These exceptions could provide significant flexibility in facilitating a trade for the talented forward.
DeRozan's Patience in Free Agency
Chris Haynes has mentioned that "DeRozan is willing to be 'very patient' this time around," suggesting that the veteran player is in no rush to make a decision. This patience indicates DeRozan's confidence that his value will be recognized across the league.
Adrian Wojnarowski echoes this sentiment, stating, "DeRozan will not be 'left out there in the marketplace.'" This assurance resonates with his stature and the continued demand for a player of his caliber, even as he moves deeper into his 30s.
The Sign-and-Trade Scenario
For any potential sign-and-trade deal for DeRozan, the terms are clear: the contract must span a minimum of three years, with only the first year fully guaranteed. This stipulation ensures a certain level of commitment from the acquiring team while providing DeRozan with some stability.
Mid-Level Exception Not an Option
Notably, DeRozan has ruled out signing for the non-taxpayer midlevel exception, which stands at $12.9 million. This decision underscores his expectation of a higher market value and the significant interest he seeks to generate from cap-rich teams or those with the financial flexibility through trade exceptions.
Dark Horse Candidates
While the usual suspects like the Lakers and Heat are in the mix, there's a dark horse candidate emerging. Marc Spears notes, "The Kings as a 'dark horse to get DeRozan.'" The Sacramento Kings might just be the outlier that shakes up the competition. Adding another wrinkle, the Bulls have demonstrated interest in Kings' wing Kevin Huerter, which could pave the way for interesting trade discussions.
As DeRozan navigates this pivotal moment in his career, the NBA landscape is eager to see where he will land next. With his proven scoring ability and veteran leadership, DeRozan will undoubtedly be a key asset for whichever team secures his talents, making the upcoming free agency period a thrilling one to watch.