5 days into the NBA’s free company interval, there’s one free agent remaining who might be a significant difference-maker for no matter group he finally ends up becoming a member of: DeMar DeRozan.
DeRozan could also be nearing his thirty fifth birthday subsequent month, however he nonetheless seems to be at or close to the highest of his sport. This previous season with the Chicago Bulls, he averaged 24.0 factors and 5.3 assists per sport whereas taking pictures a strong 48.0 % from the sector.
As of Friday afternoon, based on ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the Bulls reportedly had been engaged in sign-and-trade discussions with the Sacramento Kings, and an settlement involving DeRozan might be coming comparatively quickly.
The Bulls and Kings are at present in sign-and-trade negotiations involving DeMar DeRozan, per @wojespn:
– DeRozan is formally shifting on from Chicago with no situation of re-signing.
– Chicago just isn’t keen to tackle giant salaries in a possible deal, so a 3rd group has to… pic.twitter.com/OAH9iPxoBG
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 5, 2024
Cameron Salerno of CBS Sports activities confirmed in a tweet how a lot of an improve DeRozan can be over Harrison Barnes within the Kings’ lineup.
DeMar DeRozan can be a transparent improve over Harrison Barnes within the beginning lineup. (Barnes performed 82 video games, DeRozan performed 79 final season):
Video games with 20+ factors
DeRozan: 59
Barnes: 13Video games with 5+ rebounds
DeRozan: 33
Barnes: 19Video games with 5+ assists
DeRozan: 49
Barnes: 1— Cameron Salerno (@cameronsalerno1) July 5, 2024
DeRozan has been amazingly constant for a few years, and never solely can rating effectively and constantly but in addition could be a playmaker for his teammates.
He isn’t a very good 3-point shooter, and his protection is lackluster, however in Sacramento he would play a considerably lesser function than he has performed over time for the Bulls, San Antonio Spurs and Toronto Raptors.
The principle man for Sacramento is guard De’Aaron Fox, who averaged 26.6 factors per sport through the 2023-24 season, whereas star middle Domantas Sabonis continues to indicate development as a major offensive possibility.
One factor that makes the Kings so potent is the truth that each Fox and Sabonis are wonderful playmakers who pile up assists regularly, and DeRozan would give them a 3rd standout who’s each a reputable scorer and playmaker.
For the previous two seasons, Sacramento has been one of many extra harmful offensive groups within the NBA however hasn’t gotten previous the primary spherical of the playoffs throughout that point. This previous season, the Kings didn’t even make the playoffs, getting knocked out within the play-in spherical.
If he winds up with the Kings, DeRozan might be one of many lacking items that would assist them turn out to be contenders.
NEXT:
West Workforce Continues To Be Linked To DeMar DeRozan
