DeMar DeRozan is one of the best players available in NBA free agency, drawing interest from teams who missed out on top free-agent signings and trade targets earlier this summer. As NBA rumors swirl regarding which teams are pursuing DeRozan, there is reportedly a known asking price.
A return to the Chicago Bulls is seemingly out of the question. Chicago’s decision to acquire Josh Giddey and the possibility of it dealing both Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic signals a potential youth movement. As a result, DeRozan is looking into other teams in NBA free agency.
- DeMar DeRozan stats (ESPN): 24.0 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 5.3 APG< 48% FG, 33.3% 3PT
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The Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat are interested in DeRozan. While all three teams are a bit reliant on a sign-and-trade with Chicago to facilitate a deal, DeRozan’s asking price could also drag out negotiations.
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported on SportsCenter that DeRozan is seeking a deal worth around $20-25 million per year. Between his asking price and Chicago’s stance on a sign-and-trade, his free-agent process is expected to play out throughout July.
Related: Sacramento Kings reportedly have big move ‘coming soon’
- DeMar DeRozan advanced stats: /147 Win Shares per 48 Minutes, .584 True Shooting, 2.2 Defensive Win Shares, 25.8 Usage Rate
As previously mentioned, the NBA teams interested in DeRozan are reliant on a sign-and-trade to afford him financially. While the Bulls are open to making a deal, Chicago’s front office doesn’t “want to take contracts back” in a deal.
Related: Los Angeles Lakers in trade talks with 3 teams
For a team like the Lakers, it could mean the team has to trade away another player like D’Angelo Russell before it moves forward with a sign-and-trade for DeRozan. As a result, Sacramento and Miami might have an advantage in landing him later this summer.