Three years ago, DeMar DeRozan's career took a significant turn as he agreed to a sign-and-trade deal that planted him in Chicago. Joining the Bulls, DeRozan penned a $81.9 million contract spanning three years. As his tenure with the team nears its end, the 33-year-old veteran finds himself at the crossroads of free agency, sparking interest across the league.
As DeRozan's contract with the Bulls concludes, teams are now assessing their options and cap space to make favorable offers to the skilled forward. DeRozan earned $27.7 million in his final season with the San Antonio Spurs, and it's clear he's looking for a lucrative deal, reflecting the value he still brings to the court.
Interest Across the League
The landscape of potential suitors for DeRozan is diverse. The Miami Heat have shown a keen interest, with Barry Jackson noting, "The Heat are expected to follow up with DeRozan." Meanwhile, the Lakers, despite their hefty payroll projected just above the $188.9 million second apron after re-signing LeBron James, are also reportedly making "some kind of play for DeRozan," according to Jovan Buha.
Both the Detroit Pistons and the Utah Jazz possess the cap space necessary to make competitive offers. However, the Jazz face a potential fork in the road, contemplating whether to utilize their space to renegotiate and extend Lauri Markkanen's contract in August. The Sacramento Kings, on the other hand, are considered a dark horse candidate in this race, with Marc Spears describing them as a potential wild card. The Kings' interest is speculated to be intertwined with the Bulls' interest in Kings wing Kevin Huerter, creating a possible avenue for negotiations.
Trade Exception Opportunities
The potential for sign-and-trade deals adds another layer of complexity to DeRozan’s free agency. The Atlanta Hawks and the Brooklyn Nets possess significant trade exceptions, at $25 million and $23 million respectively, which could facilitate a feasible path for integrating DeRozan without the maneuvering of massive salary dumps or roster overhauls. A sign-and-trade deal for DeRozan is a plausible route, with league rules mandating such deals to span a minimum of three years, albeit with only the first year fully guaranteed.
Patience Is a Virtue
Interestingly, DeRozan himself is in no rush. "DeRozan is willing to be very patient this time around," reports Chris Haynes, indicating that the star player is meticulously weighing his options. A veteran with his experience and skill set ensures that he won't be wanting for suitors. Adrian Wojnarowski reaffirmed this sentiment, stating, "DeRozan will not be left out there in the marketplace."
However, one aspect remains non-negotiable for DeRozan. Sources close to him suggest that he will not consider signing for the non-taxpayer midlevel exception, standing currently at $12.9 million. His track record and ongoing performance both point to his desire – and right – to secure a more lucrative deal, thus financially benefiting from the value he continues to deliver on the court.
What's Next?
As the free agency period unfolds, DeRozan's decisions and the offers he receives are bound to have a ripple effect across the league. Each potential suitor must carefully balance their financial constraints with the undeniable advantage DeRozan brings. The months ahead will be crucial for the Bulls, who must decide their stance on DeRozan while considering their interest in acquiring valuable assets like Huerter.
For DeRozan, this phase of his career represents not merely another contract but a strategic decision that will define his legacy and impact in the league. His willingness to be patient suggests a calculated approach as he eyes both financial and competitive fulfillment. As teams line up with their proposals, one thing is certain – DeMar DeRozan’s free agency is one of the most compelling storylines in the NBA this offseason.
