DeMar DeRozan – San Antonio Spurs
DeMar DeRozan was traded to the Spurs in the Kawhi Leonard to Toronto trade and while a lot of people chastised the Spurs for making this move, especially since Kawhi went on to win a title in Toronto and win Finals MVP, San Antonio actually made out pretty well in this deal on DeRozan’s end.
Since joining the Spurs ahead of the 2018-19 season, DeRozan has averaged 21.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 6.0 assists and has shot 50.2% from the floor and 21.6% from deep. He has never been much of a perimeter oriented player, as a big part of his game revolves around his mid-range jumper, but DeRozan has improved quite a bit as an all-around playmaker in San Antonio.
His game has evolved more than just being a scoring threat on the wing and head coach Gregg Popovich has utilized the former 9th overall pick to be a lot like Kawhi Leonard when he was with the Spurs. Defensive, rebounding and passing besides scoring were the three big areas that Leonard thrived in during his time with the Spurs and those three areas of DeRozan’s game have improved quite a bit over the last few seasons.
Much like Kevin Love’s trade situation, the Lakers hypothetically could make a trade for DeRozan work but it would be difficult. However, he does come at a lower price as DeRozan is owed $27.7M this season, the final year of his contract. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Alex Caruso, Kyle Kuzma, Wesley Matthews and Jared Dudley would all have to be traded somewhere in order for Los Angeles to acquire DeMar DeRozan without giving up Montrezl Harrell or Dennis Schroder.
While there are some contractual flaws with this trade, as KCP and Matthews cannot be traded until February 20, 2021 since they recently signed contracts this offseason, the Lakers could wait to make this trade, especially since DeRozan is not expected to be dealt, if he even is dealt, until near the trade deadline.
If the Lakers can make it work, obviously adding DeMar DeRozan is a no-brainer for Los Angeles, especially since he can play numerous positions on the court. His versatility and instinctual scoring ability is why he would be a great fit next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis in L.A.
