DeMar DeRozan remains the most significant unsigned player in the NBA free agency market. Despite numerous potential suitors, his salary demands have created a waiting game for the six-time All-Star.
The big question now is whether DeRozan’s patience will pay off with a lucrative deal or if he will have to settle for less. Many teams are interested in using their mid-level exception on DeRozan, which would secure him around $13 million.
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, closely following the story due to the Miami Heat’s interest in DeRozan, reported on social media that the Sacramento Kings have engaged in discussions with the Chicago Bulls about a sign-and-trade deal involving DeRozan.
Additionally, Jackson mentioned that the San Antonio Spurs are also in the mix.
However, he noted that the Heat are currently not in a position to meet DeRozan’s salary expectations.
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Meanwhile, Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports added more intrigue on the No Cap Room podcast. He mentioned there has been “some talk” around the NBA of a potential double sign-and-trade scenario, which would see Caleb Martin heading to the Bulls in exchange for DeRozan.
Fischer, however, expressed uncertainty about how seriously this possibility is being considered by the Bulls and the Heat.
Last season, DeRozan showcased his scoring prowess, ranking 17th in points per game. His consistent availability propelled him to 11th on the total points leaderboard. Despite this impressive performance, the free agency negotiations have proven complex.
DeRozan’s future remains uncertain as the NBA offseason progresses. Teams must balance their budgets and roster needs while trying to secure a player of DeRozan’s caliber. His scoring ability and veteran experience make him a valuable asset, but the financial terms must align for a deal to be reached.
For now, fans and analysts alike are closely watching to see where DeRozan will land and how his signing will impact the balance of power in the NBA. The next few weeks will be critical as teams finalize their rosters and DeRozan’s market value becomes clearer.
