Following up on a report from Marc J. Spears stating that Sacramento is a “dark horse” suitor to watch for DeMar DeRozan, Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald confirms (via Twitter) that the Kings and Bulls have had discussions about a possible sign-and-trade deal involving the free agent forward.
The Spurs have also emerged as a possibility for DeRozan, Jackson adds. The 34-year-old previously spent three seasons playing for Gregg Popovich in San Antonio from 2018-21.
While Jackson (Twitter link) isn’t entirely ruling out the Heat for DeRozan, he notes that the club’s cap situation makes it impossible to give the forward the kind of contract he’s seeking, so the front office seems more likely to preserve its assets in case a better trade opportunity arises — as a first-apron team, Miami would be in a better position to acquire a player who is already under contract than a free agent like DeRozan via sign-and-trade.
Here are a few more free agent rumors and notes from around the NBA:
- The Sixers have expressed interest in the possibility of a reunion with free agent forward and Philadelphia native Marcus Morris, multiple sources tell Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. However, the 76ers aren’t the only team eyeing Morris. The Pistons, Hornets, Cavaliers, Mavericks, Heat, and Timberwolves have all expressed some level of interest too, Pompey writes.
- It’s unclear where Miles Bridges will end up, according to Rod Boone of The Charlotte Observer, who says that the Pistons‘ interest seems to have dwindled following their front office and coaching changes, while the Sixers were “never in” on the free agent forward. The Hornets and Bridges publicly expressed interest in a new deal earlier in the offseason, but they’ve had over two weeks to talk and still don’t appear to have momentum toward an agreement. “I think they end up signing and trading Bridges,” a rival executive told Boone.
- The Clippers continue to have interest in bringing back Kai Jones, but the free agent big man has an ankle injury that will prevent him from suiting up for Summer League, a source tells Law Murray of The Athletic (Twitter link).
- The Pistons are one of the only teams that still has significant cap room available and they’ll need to at least reach the minimum salary floor before the season begins. Omari Sankofa II of The Detroit Free Press (subscription required) suggests a few potential free agents targets for Detroit, including Malik Beasley and Gary Trent Jr., while James L. Edwards III of The Athletic considers trade scenarios that might make sense for the club’s cap room.
Heat philly mavs and cavs all make sense for Marcus morris, but there are other options on the board. I’m not as surprised to see him in this price range b/c of the new rules, which is why I had him on my list for the Heat as 1 option, though it would have been a bigger deal a couple of years ago…regardless they need help at the 4, as do all those teams
I also could theoretically see the fit for Derozan back with the Spurs…I guess they would move Keldon Johnson in that situation…
But man they’ve had really good talent, and I feel like they haven’t used Wesley or Branham to their potential. I see it though. Chris paul has to staybhealthy……
DeRozan had 9.2 win shares last year, the guy can still hoop
Also leading the league in MPG at 34 is crazy
If/when Kai Jones gets healthy over the next few weeks he should be focused on heading to the Olympics in Paris, not the summer league in Vegas
Olympics with who?!
The Bahamas for Basketball, High Jump,Triple Jump and Long Jump. The dude’s quite the athlete.
With Bahamas. He would be the perfect complement to Ayton in the paint. And his rim protection/athleticism would be perfect for the pressure defense that they play.
Im guessing Huerter and Barnes for Derozan, with Barnes being routed to a third team
Pistons should just sign DeM DeR …..
He probably doesn’t want to play for the worst team in the league
He already plays for the bulls
With him. They can build a culture there. He gives them what they need most. A scorer and closer. And a solid team player. DeM can get paid there what he’s worth.
I like DeRozen on the heat as a Martin replacement. They won’t be as good defensively as they were with Martin, but it would be a formidable rotation/starting 5 that, if healthy, could compete with the Celtics.
I think Miles Bridges would also be a great fit for Miami if they didn’t get DeRozen. Maybe even better.
I don’t think either Morris twin really has moved the needle impacting the game for a few years now.
Marcus is much better than markieff, and has actual value at the 4/smallball 5.
Bridges would be an amazing fit with the Heat, but I don’t know what his situation is at this point…
Heat already replaced Caleb today with Burks and they drafted Larson, plus they have Dru Smith and Richardson…now it’s replacing highsmith…
I can’t see how Demar’s mid range game works with Wemby. The spacing doesn’t make sense.
Lakers don’t want to spend money on DeRozan or any star. They used the beautiful words like this: 3-star model can’t win the championship.
What?
Bulls current team salary $158 million, don’t want to add salary
Lakers and Heat don’t want to add salary either
My trade ideas for the Heat and Lakers to acquire DeRozan
Duncan Robinson and filler to the third team like Jazz or Pistons
DLo and filler to the third team like Jazz or Pistons
center piece of trade = friendship + protected Firsts
What?
Important to remember a sign and trade comes with a min 3 yr commitment now -* feel that should be noted above
Might be holding DDR s market up a little/ lot . Especially at the Aav he wants
Since there’s little cap left and he’s said he doesn’t want the full MLE this could get tricky
Give him 3 years 49 millionish, and send over Keldon Johnson, who also has 3 years left…
Surprised Miles hasn’t been snapped up.
Guessing for the money he likely wants any deal will now take a sign and trade.
Chicago would make some sense for Zach LaVine.
Charlotte gets a backcourt of LaMelo and LaVine. Miller and Williams as the forwards and Mark in the middle. Probably bad on defence with that backcourt but also really good offensively with them. It would atleast give them some return for Bridges and keeps them a decently competitive side.
Chicago on the other hand get rid of LaVine and get Bridges who can fill a forward position for them. The backcourt with be White and Giddey, with Williams and Bridges and then Vuce at centre. Makes them a better, more well rounded side I guess.
Just feel like it’s a move which makes sense for both side and the players involved.
Afterwards the Hornets would have Reggie, Mann, Micic, Smith Jr and Josh Green as back up guards.
I’d say Mann and Green would be the ideal back up duo and Smith obviously stays as the youngest. Meaning Micic and Reggie would be on the block.
I’d try send Reggie to the Cavs for Niang and a pair of seconds. Helps both teams depth charts and nets you a couple picks.
sign Marcus to replace Caleb
If you are the sixers and are serious about trying to compete, don’t you have to be in on Bridges? At this point they don’t have a PF unless they are going to use PG there. With Bridges, they are a serious contender…….until Embid and PG get hurt.