Warriors predicted to sign $305M future Hall of Famer, 6x All-Star over Heat, Nuggets, Cavaliers originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The NBA offseason is still in full swing, with several veterans available and looking to join serious contenders at this stage of their careers. DeMar DeRozan is among those players, as he looks to join a championship-caliber team after missing the playoffs in each of the last few seasons.
DeRozan is a free agent once again after being waived by the Sacramento Kings.
“The Sacramento Kings have waived DeMar DeRozan, the team announced Monday, making the six-time All-Star one of the top free agents on the market. DeRozan had a partial guarantee on his contract for next season, but he and Sacramento worked on his release to allow him to find a new home. Multiple contenders are expected to have interest in the veteran guard," ESPN wrote.
Contenders around the league are showing significant interest in DeRozan and the experience he would bring to their rosters. The Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat are among the teams that have been in contact.
“I’m told Miami, Denver, and Cleveland are among the teams interested in DeMar DeRozan… There is a player out west that is overlapping with DeRozan as far as interest from teams,” ESPN’s Shams Charania said.
However, the Golden State Warriors are also looking for a veteran wing to add to their roster after a disappointing offseason. Blue Man Hoops’ Peter O’Keefe believes the Warriors will ultimately sign DeRozan.
“DeMar DeRozan is arguably the best player still on the market excluding James Harden and the restricted free agents, having averaged 18.4 points and 4.1 assists with the Sacramento Kings last season before being stretched-and-waived earlier in the offseason. If the Warriors want someone who can at least do some of what Butler provides offensively, DeRozan is really the only player who fits the mold that's left in free agency,” O’Keefe wrote.
Golden State is in need of another starter while Jimmy Butler continues to recover from the ACL injury he suffered last season. DeRozan would give the Warriors another proven offensive weapon who can create his own shot and take pressure off their other scorers.
DeRozan has made $305 million in contracts throughout his career. The Warriors may not be viewed as the most attractive destination among the teams pursuing him, but landing the six-time All-Star would be a major win for Golden State and give the team another proven scorer for the upcoming season.
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