NBA Rumors: The 3 Title Contenders That Want to Add DeMar DeRozan
It has become the 'Plan B' for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat after LeBron James' signing with the Sixers, while the Denver Nuggets also want to secure his services.
With the future of LeBron James already resolved, the free-agent market begins to move and one of the big beneficiaries is DeMar DeRozan. The veteran shooting guard, currently the top scorer available among unsigned players, is starting to generate increasing interest from several NBA franchises.
As reported by journalist Shams Charania, there are three teams that stand out as top candidates to secure his services: Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Denver Nuggets. The absence of the Toronto Raptors among the mentioned destinations is noteworthy, despite rumors linking the player with a possible return to the Canadian franchise.
A veteran willing to sign for the minimum salary
After agreeing to terminate his contract with the Sacramento Kings, DeRozan, a six-time All-Star, would be willing to accept a minimum contract to have the opportunity to compete for his first championship in his 17-season career.
The closest he came to winning a ring was indirectly. In 2018, he was the piece used by the Raptors to close the trade for Kawhi Leonard to Toronto, a move that eventually led the Canadian franchise to win the NBA title in 2019.
Miami, Cleveland, and Denver, the top candidates
The Heat appears as one of the best-positioned teams. Since LeBron James declined to return to Miami, various reports suggest that the Florida franchise has focused much of its efforts on trying to add DeRozan to their roster.
Meanwhile, both Cleveland and Denver could also benefit from the scoring ability of the veteran shooting guard. However, for the Nuggets, resolving the contractual situation of Peyton Watson, a restricted free agent, remains a priority, which could impact any moves.
Klay Thompson also influences the operation
Shams Charania also points out that DeRozan is not the only scorer garnering interest from several teams. Klay Thompson remains with the Dallas Mavericks, although a trade or contract termination remains possible scenarios.
This situation could directly affect Miami's options. According to journalist Barry Jackson, although DeRozan is interested in a contract utilizing part of the mid-level exception and there is mutual interest, the Heat might reserve that cap space to pursue Thompson instead.
Jackson adds that DeRozan views the possibility of playing in Miami favorably, and both sides have been in discussions over the past 72 hours. However, he also notes that at least one member of the franchise's decision-making group prefers to wait, while the veteran shooting guard has strong supporters within the Heat's executive circle.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Rumores NBA: Los 3 candidatos al anillo que quieren sumar a DeMar DeRozan
