Heading into last week’s trade deadline, there were rumors of the New York Knicks’ interest in DeMar DeRozan. Rumors tying the team to the veteran scorer aren’t that new. So it’s no surprise NBA Analysis Network’s Evan Massey has reported DeRozan is a name to watch for the Knicks as he nears free agency this summer.
While you may not have been looking, DeRozan is having another solid season for the San Antonio Spurs. He’s averaging more than 20 points per game again (20.5), while also averaging 4.4 rebounds and a career-high 7.1 assists per game. He’ll never be prolific from 3-point range (30.5 percent this season). But he also doesn’t shoot very many from beyond the arc (1.6 per game). That’s called knowing who you are as a player.
DeRozan easily picked up his $27.7 million option for this year. That set him up to hit free agency in a more ideal situation this offseason. The Knicks only have six players firmly under contract for next season right now (according to Spotrac). So they’ll have money to spend, coming off a resurgent season under Tom Thibodeau. The Spurs could bring him back, but they may look to get a little younger. And there will be suitors besides the Knicks. A return home to Southern California with the Clippers and Lakers can (probably) be ruled out for DeRozan in free agency.
Basketball Reference data shows DeRozan has played a lot of small-ball power forward for the Spurs this year. But he has maintained his scoring prowess, while being something of a point-forward. To go with a little over seven assists per game, he’s turning the ball over less than twice per game.
Beyond being a veteran presence for a young Knicks’ team, DeRozan would be an interesting piece in an offense that has unlocked Julius Randle as a playmaker this season. After some level of rumors tying the two for awhile, a DeRozan-Knicks marriage could very well happen this summer.
