A new NBA rumor just opened the door to an unexpected DeMar DeRozan reunion with the Toronto Raptors or San Antonio Spurs this summer.
One of the biggest stories in the NBA right now is on the future of 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant. The Phoenix Suns are looking to get out of salary cap hell this offseason. Moving the 36-year-old’s pricey contract has become a top priority to achieve that goal.
Two teams that have been linked to rumors of a Kevin Durant trade are the Spurs and Raptors. However, there is a very real chance neither organization gets a deal done this offseason. Well, the fallback option for both clubs may have been revealed in a new report from The Stein Line.
“The Kings’ DeMar DeRozan is another former All-Star who is widely perceived to be available via trade and who could emerge as a fallback trade target for teams that miss out on Durant.”
- DeMar DeRozan stats (2024-25): 22.2 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 4.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 33% 3PT
Would San Antonio Spurs or Toronto Raptors actually target a reunion with DeMar DeRozan?
To many long-time Toronto Raptors fans, the idea of DeRozan returning to the franchise he started with to potentially end his career would be an interesting story. The 35-year-old was a four-time All-Star in Toronto. And was a key part of building the program up to being a title contender.
However, if the team were to make a major move this summer, it would more likely be for either Giannis Antetokounmpo so he can elevate the team to a far higher level, or Durant because he only has one year left on his deal.
The six-time All-Star spent three seasons in San Antonio and seemed to like his time there. While the Spurs have been linked to a Durant trade, they are not aggressively pursuing it. Probably because of Durant’s age and the over $50 million he is owed next season. DeRozan earns that much the next two seasons combined.
While he may not be as good as Durant, he is much more likely to stay healthy. And would not cost them valuable assets like Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle in a deal. Furthermore, he seems like a nice fit in-between current stars Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox.
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