NBA Trade Rumors: Orlando Magic and Sacramento Kings among the teams that could trade for DeMar DeRozan
What's the rumor?
Following San Antonio's awful start to the season, DeMar DeRozan has been linked with a departure. The 30-year-old only joined the Spurs last summer, although with contract negotiations recently stalling, it is believed that DeRozan is among the players that San Antonio is willing to offload.
DeRozan has been linked with several teams around the NBA, although an unnamed league executive told Hoops Hype that the Orlando Magic and Sacramento Kings are among his most likely suitors:
A landing spot for DeRozan is probably a team that badly wants to make the playoffs and, right now, they’re in the 7-to-10 range in their conference. The Magic, the Kings and other teams like that would make sense. What the Spurs could get back really depends on if they’re willing to take back money in the deal.
In case you didn't know...
DeRozan spent his first nine seasons in the NBA with the Toronto Raptors, although he was sent to the Spurs last summer as part of the blockbuster deal for Kawhi Leonard. In his first season in San Antonio, DeRozan quietly enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career as he averaged 21.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game.
While the Spurs have started the current season with a 6-12 record, DeRozan has still performed well, averaging 22.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists over 18 appearances.
The heart of the matter
The Spurs are in desperate need of an overhaul, and it seems likely that DeRozan will be among the players to make way. With the Kings and Magic hoping to make the playoffs this season, a trade to either team makes sense, at 30, DeRozan could play a significant role for at least a few more years.
What's next?
The Spurs will be in action later this evening as they take on the Minnesota Timberwolves.