DeMar DeRozan and the San Antonio Spurs are headed for divorce.
Although nobody expected the 31-year-old to fully fill the void left behind by Kawhi Leonard, the expectation was that he would do a serviceable job. After the Spurs failed to make the playoffs this past season, it is now clear that something needs to change.
Earlier this week, an anonymous NBA agent told The Athletic that DeRozan “doesn’t like San Antonio and doesn’t want to be there.” The report was eerily similar to one from CNBC’s Jabari Young, who also previously suggested that “DeMar is not happy in San Antonio.”
For what it’s worth, DeRozan has come out and refuted the idea that he is unhappy with the Spurs.
That being said – where there’s smoke, there’s fire. DeRozan may not want to acknowledge his true feelings for San Antonio, but there is a reason why multiple sources have independently said the same thing.
DeRozan is currently heading into the final year of a deal that will pay him $27.7 million. This would be the perfect time for the Spurs to flip him to a team that would make better use of his talents.
At the moment, there are three very legitimate options: the Detroit Pistons, Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks.
Pistons head coach Dwane Casey enjoyed an immensely successful run with DeRozan when the two were with the Toronto Raptors together, so a reunion makes all sorts of sense. Detroit has the cap space to make this move and has been interested in bringing in big names to reignite interest in the franchise.
On the court, it’s unclear what sort of boost DeRozan would really be able to provide the Pistons with, but in terms of making them more fun to watch – he would definitely deliver.
Championship coaches do championship things. https://t.co/Rt7179e8TK
— Game 7 (@game7__) October 22, 2020
If not Detroit, the Cleveland Cavaliers make for an intriguing trade partner. They currently have a bit of a situation on their hands with Andre Drummond, so a swap of big contracts could work for all parties involved. Beyond that, the Spurs have privately expressed interest in Drummond over the past few months, so this is a deal that may jive on many levels.
Finally, don’t sleep on the Knicks. Leon Rose is intent on acquiring some notable players this offseason and DeRozan is as good an option as any. Names like Chris Paul, Victor Oladipo and Carmelo Anthony have been brought up as potential targets, but DeRozan is no worse a player at this juncture of his career than anyone on that list besides Paul.
LeBron is never one to bite his tongue. https://t.co/SuIuEiH3sS
— Game 7 (@game7__) October 23, 2020
One way or another, DeRozan’s time in San Antonio is coming to an end.
Where will he end up? Time will tell.
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Charles Kruger has been credentialed to cover two Super Bowls, four NBA Finals, and one World Series. A 20-year veteran in the sports world, he has sources spanning the NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC and NASCAR. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif., he is Game 7’s go-to source for rumors surrounding the Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers.
