DeMar DeRozan eyes LA homecoming with Clippers named as potential destination: Report
There have been a lot of trade rumors circulating with DeMar DeRozan's name being the latest name associated with Clippers star Paul George. According to a report from NBS Chicago's K.C. Johnson, DeRozan could be of interest to LA in the scenario that common ground isn't reached between the front office and George.
Interestingly, the Clippers forward still has a $48 million player option should he choose to remain part of the team. However, George remains firm in his decision as of now to seek a max contract offer which other teams would be more than willing to offer him, such as the Warriors, as per ESPN's Brian Windhorst.
LA still has their superstar piece in Kawhi Leonard and while DeMar DeRozan's game differs from the capabilities of Paul George, it still provides a reliable offensive option for the team minus George's defensive versatility on the court.
"Keep the Clippers in mind as a potential DeMar DeRozan destination if Paul George signs elsewhere," Johnson posted.
As trade reports continue to ramp up with NBA Free Agency right around the corner, fans will be closely monitoring how the tenures of DeRozan and George with their teams pan out.
DeMar DeRozan envisioned the possibility of playing in LA with the Clippers alongside Paul George
During an appearance on "Podcast P with Paul George" on May 18, the Clippers star revealed the time that he tried recruiting DeMar DeRozan to band forces in LA. However, the possible offer they could conjure up would not suffice for a player of the Bulls star's caliber.
However, DeRozan still envisioned the potential in that team-up as he would have considered the idea of playing back home.
"The business side of it was just flawed in its own right," DeRozan said. "But me just looking at it like, 'damn I could do this? Play with my dog? Home? Alright, let's try to figure it out.'"
A big three lineup of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and DeMar DeRozan would have made some noise in the league as a possible team to beat. The combination of elite shotmaking would make them a headache of a defensive assignment for any opposing team.
However, DeRozan also acknowledged that the business side of that team-up was tricky but was adamant that a common ground would have been eventually reached from both parties.
At the same time, the Bulls star made it clear that he is content if his basketball career wrapped up without any time spent representing his hometown.
As of now, both their positions with their teams remain at an interesting state considering the various moving pieces in the NBA today.