NEWSLETTER
A path could open for DeMar DeRozan to return home this offseason.
The Compton, California native is only a little over one month away from hitting unrestricted free agency. While many have speculated that DeRozan will remain with the Chicago Bulls, the organization’s front-office leader has vowed that change is on the horizon. And few moves would be more drastic than moving on from the 35-year-old forward.
Not to mention, it remains unclear if DeRozan sees a future in Chicago. His team has missed the postseason in back-to-back seasons and appears on the verge of moving their other All-Star piece, Zach LaVine. Contending in the Eastern Conference isn’t getting any easier, and DeRozan doesn’t have a lot of time to wait around for the franchise to figure things out.
More on his priorities here …
Let’s not forget that one report already indicated that DeRozan turned down a two-year extension worth potentially $40 million a year. Not only does this speak to his desire to sign a more long-term deal, but it could suggest that he’s open to seeing what other winning environments may open up.
This brings us to the latest report from Hoopshype’s Michael Scotto. In the site’s latest aggregate mock draft, the insider noted that the Los Angeles Clippers could be interested in DeRozan’s services this summer.
“As previously reported on HoopsHype following the lottery, there’s a belief around the league that DeRozan will ultimately re-sign with the Bulls, given the team’s continued desire to compete, his role, and Chicago’s willingness to pay him.
However, one team worth monitoring as a potential suitor for DeRozan via sign-and-trade is the Los Angeles Clippers, should the franchise fail to re-sign Paul George in free agency, HoopsHype has learned.”
DeMar DeRozan to the Clippers?
The caveat here is obviously crucial. Any discussion around DeRozan to the Clippers is directly tied to what happens with Paul George. If he ultimately decides to re-sign with Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers, a DeRozan deal isn’t getting done.
With that said, we can’t ignore the fact that speculation about George heading to the Philadelphia 76ers has been loud. Philly is going to be loaded up with cap space, and his fit next to Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey sure makes a lot of sense. If George is hungry for a new competitive environment after all the injury trouble in LA, this feels like the right place.
Meanwhile, LA sure feels like the right place for DeRozan. The franchise has zero plans to take a step back with Kawhi Leonard re-signed long-term. James Harden is also up for a new deal and could look to re-sign with the franchise. Not only could DeRozan slide in to fill the scoring void left by Geroge, but he could also fill the star-power void. We all know the Clippers are in a constant fight to stay relevant with the Lakers in town, and a homecoming for DeRozan could help with that.
Let’s also not forget how reliable DeRozan has proven to be the past few years. He is fresh off playing the single-most minutes in the NBA, and he’s played at least 74 games in each of the past three seasons. For an organization that has dealt with significant injury problems, DeRozan’s steady and reliable presence could be a breath of fresh air.
Another key reason why we have to take the Clippers’ interest in DeRozan seriously is because of what happened during his previous free agency. Steve Ballmer’s team was arguably the most interested team in DeRozan behind Chicago. While the finances were a hurdle, the front office was driving to the veteran’s house when his agent called them to say Chicago sealed the deal. That’s how involved the Clippers were, so the fact they’re basically the first team mentioned as an alternative landing spot for DeRozan isn’t shocking.
Again, whether or not this report picks up steam will depend on what Paul George decides to do. But let’s not forget that plenty of stars could be on the move over the next couple of months, which could only make DeRozan’s special skillset that much more intriguing.
Ps: I should probably also say that, if you’re the Bulls, you should hope George leaves! LA would have to sign-and-trade for DeRozan, which is the best-case-scenario. Chicago could at least get something back in return instead of allowing him to walk for nothing or overpaying him. That’s ideal.
