NBA Trade Rumors: DeMar DeRozan could become a trade target for the Detroit Pistons
What's the rumor?
The San Antonio Spurs last missed out on the playoffs back in 1997, although Gregg Popovich's side faces a huge task to qualify for the 2020 postseason after making a 6-13 start to the season. The Spurs have been in decline since the retirement of Tim Duncan, and recent reports have suggested that DeMar DeRozan is among the players that could be traded as the organization attempts to refresh an aging roster.
DeRozan has been linked to several teams such as the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic, although Duncan Smith of Forbes.com believes that the Detroit Pistons are among his most likely destinations:
Where DeRozan could fit, on the other hand, is a team with both a low floor and ceiling. That team might be the Detroit Pistons, and the San Antonio Spurs might be just the team to move him in a tear-down and rebuild.
In case you didn't know...
After spending nine seasons with the Toronto Raptors, DeRozan was sent to the Spurs last summer as part of the deal for Kawhi Leonard. Despite being unable to match Leonard's production, DeRozan impressed during his debut season in San Antonio, averaging 21.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 6.2 assists over 77 appearances.
However, DeRozan could hit free agency next summer, and talks over a potential contract extension have not moved forward over the past few months - and the shooting guard has also recently attracted criticism for his lack of effort on defense.
The heart of the matter
The Pistons have made a 6-12 start to the season, although they remain in the playoff picture due to the lack of depth in the East. Adding DeRozan alongside Blake Griffin, Andre Drummond, and Derrick Rose would also give the Pistons one of the best closing teams in the Conference - and a trade could suit both San Antonio and Detroit.
What's next?
The Spurs face a difficult game against the LA Clippers tonight, while the Pistons will take on the Charlotte Hornets.