3 ideal landing spots for DeMar DeRozan in free agency

DeMar DeRozan has been one of the big names on the trading block since the offseason. He was allegedly unhappy with the situation in San Antonio but the team decided to keep him for the duration of the season. DeRozan shut down these NBA trade rumors and is continuing to play the game at a high level. In free agency, it is unlikely that DeRozan signs with the Spurs once again.

DeRozan opted into the final year of his contract and this was to be expected. He was a trade piece at the deadline but San Antonio decided not to make a move. Instead, they agreed to a buyout with LaMarcus Aldridge and he ended up signing with the Brooklyn Nets.

The Spurs are a franchise that is heading in a different direction and DeRozan is not apart of the future plan. He is at a point in his career where we he needs to be playing for a contender if he wants to win, or cashing out in NBA free agency. San Antonio doesn’t fit either of those options.

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This season, DeRozan is averaging 21.0 points per game. He is showing that he is capable of leading an offensive attack. DeRozan has been one of the top mid-range threats in the league for years now and that is not going to change.

He will be a sought-after player in free agency and his price could be a bit lower than expected. The Spurs were unable to get a return for DeRozan and now he will be able to leave in the offseason.

It will be a big sweepstakes in free agency once DeRozan is on the market. These three teams could be perfect landing spots for the star.

Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks, Jrue Holiday, Victor Oladipo, Spencer Dinwiddie, Boston Celtics, Larry Bird
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Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks are beginning to look like the team they expected to be early in the season. They are currently 31-26 in a very difficult Western Conference and they will only get better. The Mavericks brought Kristaps Porzingis to town last year to team with Luka Doncic. Moving forward, Dallas could continue to add stars in hopes of competing for a championship.

With Luka Doncic on the roster, the Mavericks will be an intriguing team. This has forced the front office to make some big moves to build around the MVP candidate. When healthy, Kristaps Porzingis is an elite big man that can get it done in many ways.

DeMar DeRozan would bring a new dynamic to the Mavericks and would round out a big three in the lineup. Luka Doncic is a do-it-all guard while DeRozan could handle the ball and create his own shot in the mid-range game. Mark Cuban is not afraid to make a big move and there will be some options in the offseason.

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As Luka Doncic showed against the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA playoffs, he can handle getting blitzed and facing pre-rotations. However, there’s a need to have more players on the floor that can get downhill and get a bucket in crucial moments. Having a stretch-five like Porzingis with DeRozan at the four would create many matchup advantages for Dallas throughout games, too.

The Mavericks have their eyes on winning and winning soon. This is something that they could do right away if another big-name player is added to the lineup. DeRozan will be one of the options available to sign.

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Toronto Raptors

Could there be a reunion in the making? DeMar DeRozan spent the first nine years of his career with the Toronto Raptos. This is where he made a name for himself in the league. There were quick links to each other at the trade deadline but there was no true traction made in a deal. The Raptors could be waiting for the offseason to shock the league and bring DeRozan back.

The Raptors in a bit of a transition period. They are looking like they will miss the postseason this year and Kyle Lowry is headed to free agency in the offseason. This all depends on what the front office wants to do in regards to veteran players. DeRozan coming back could persuade Lowry to sign another deal.

This could reunite a strong duo in the backcourt that still has plenty of time left. The Raptors would return to being contenders in the Eastern Conference if this was the case. Masai Ujiri would have some closure with DeRozan after their whole trade debacle occurred.

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With Kawhi Leonard departing to the Los Angeles Clippers in NBA free agency, the Raptors have a void that needs to be filled on the wing. There is a need for a primary option that can get downhill and make big plays when his team needs it. With Pascal Siakam able to slide over to the five spot, the small ball capabilities of their potential lineups would be quite intriguing.

This might not be the landing spot for DeRozan when it is all said and done but the storyline would be incredible. The Raptors could decide to turn back the clock a bit when the offseason comes around.

Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies, NBA, Zach LaVine
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Memphis Grizzlies

If there is one team that needs another star on the team to compete, it is the Grizzlies. They have a blossoming star in Ja Morant and now it is about adding another big-name player. We have seen that teams in the NBA like to stack stars in hopes of winning a championship and this is what Memphis should try to do in the offseason. There will be plenty of options but DeRozan would fit in well.

The Grizzlies are currently eighth in the Western Conference at 29-28. They are certainly heading in the right direction but have not taken that step towards the postseason. This is what they will have a chance to do this season. With DeRozan on the roster, the Grizzlies would turn into staples in the playoffs.

DeMar DeRozan is a winning player and a veteran presence that would help a younger team like the Grizzlies. Morant and DeRozan would create one of the most electric backcourts in the league and cause matchup problems because of their skill-sets.

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The Grizzlies will be getting Jaren Jackson Jr. back in their lineup for next season, which will make them a very formidable team. With Jonas Valanciunas excelling at the center position, Memphis would have quite an intriguing overall collection of talent around Ja Morant after adding DeMar DeRozan.

The Grizzlies have some room to add a star player in the offseason and it would be great to see one join Morant. Memphis is trying to clinch a playoff spot this season but it is never too early to have an eye on the offseason.

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