Three years ago, DeMar DeRozan made a pivotal transition in his career by agreeing to a sign-and-trade deal that took him to the Chicago Bulls. This move came after his tenure with the San Antonio Spurs, during which he concluded his final season earning a hefty $27.7 million. While DeRozan's journey with the Bulls has been noteworthy, his current contract, valued at $81.9 million over three years, is nearing its end, sparking intense speculation about his future in the league.
At 33 years old, DeRozan remains a highly sought-after player, with several teams eyeing him as a valuable addition to their rosters. Notably, the Lakers and the Miami Heat have shown significant interest. According to Jovan Buha, "The Lakers are making some kind of play for DeRozan," while Barry Jackson notes that "The Heat are expected to follow up with DeRozan." Given the Lakers' projected payroll, now just above the second apron of $188.9 million after re-signing LeBron James, fitting DeRozan into their budget may require creative financial maneuvering.
Interest Across the League
It's not just the established powerhouses that are keen on DeRozan; other teams with ample cap space, such as the Detroit Pistons and the Utah Jazz, could also be in the running. The Jazz, however, might allocate their cap space differently, potentially focusing on renegotiating and extending Lauri Markkanen's contract in August. The Atlanta Hawks and Brooklyn Nets also have the financial tools to pursue DeRozan, boasting trade exceptions of $25 million and $23 million, respectively.
Despite the burgeoning interest, DeRozan is approaching this free agency period with a notable degree of patience. As Chris Haynes reports, "DeRozan is willing to be 'very patient' this time around." There is confidence among league insiders that DeRozan will not be an overlooked asset. Adrian Wojnarowski succinctly assures that "DeRozan will not be 'left out there in the marketplace.'" This patience suggests that DeRozan is carefully weighing his options to ensure the next step aligns perfectly with his career ambitions.
Sign-and-Trade Scenarios
Several sign-and-trade scenarios have the potential to shape the future landscape of the NBA. For any sign-and-trade involving DeRozan, league rules stipulate that the deal must span a minimum of three years, though only the first year needs to be fully guaranteed. Additionally, DeRozan has made it clear that he is not interested in signing for the non-taxpayer midlevel exception, currently set at $12.9 million. Teams looking to secure his talents will need to come prepared with competitive offers.
Adding another twist to the unfolding drama, the Sacramento Kings have emerged as a dark horse candidate in the DeRozan sweepstakes. According to Marc Spears, "The Kings as a 'dark horse to get DeRozan.'" This interest coincides with the Bulls' own curiosity about Kings wing Kevin Huerter, suggesting potential trade negotiations that could benefit both franchises.
Summary
As the NBA continues to buzz with rumors and strategic calculations, DeRozan's free agency is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the offseason. With his contract with the Bulls concluding and multiple teams eager to make a play for him, the basketball world awaits his decision. Whether he opts for a team with championship potential like the Lakers or the Heat, or chooses to join a squad armed with cap space like the Pistons or the Jazz, DeRozan's next move will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the league's competitive balance.