When the Sacramento Kings won the DeMar DeRozan sweepstakes, few could’ve predicted it.
On the one hand, the Kings were once considered the most dysfunctional organization in the NBA. Though they’ve since turned the franchise around, attracting a free agent of DeRozan’s caliber was shocking. On the other hand, he was being chased by multiple teams.
In the latest episode of Podcast P with Paul George, the 35-year-old talks about his free agency, revealing that he was seriously considering five teams.
Kings’ DeMar DeRozan Reveals Teams That Had His Ear In Free Agency
“I was thinking about (Philadelphia),” DeRozan tells George. “Philly definitely was an option. You know, the (Los Angeles) Lakers was an option, always. (Los Angeles) Clippers was an option. And the (Miami) Heat was an option.”
DeMar DeRozan says he seriously considered the LA Clippers in free agency this summer.
“Philly definitely was an option. Lakers was an option always. Clippers was an option. And the Heat… Those teams, for sure, were real personal, legitimate options that I was considering.” pic.twitter.com/JGAYusWGM5
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) September 9, 2024
“I’ll say those teams —for sure —was a real personal, legitimate option that I was considering,” he concludes.
Staying In The East?
DeRozan possibly signing with the Philadelphia 76ers didn’t get much coverage this offseason.
In fact, the Sixers were strongly linked to George and Jimmy Butler at the start of the offseason rather than DeRozan. Even LeBron James was mentioned as a darkhorse acquisition. Nonetheless, DeRozan’s scoring ability and his relationship with Kyle Lowry likely would’ve been intriguing to Daryl Morey.
Even still, Philadelphia is one of the few teams that won’t lose much sleep over not signing DeRozan. They signed George, drafted Jared McCain, extended Tyrese Maxey’s contract, as well as re-signed Lowry and Kelly Oubre. They also added Andre Drummond, Eric Gordon, Reggie Jackson, Caleb Martin, and Guerschon Yabusele.
They’re now regarded as a bonafide championship contender.
Conversely, DeRozan and the Heat were painted as star-crossed lovers. In fact, had they had a bigger budget, the Heat had a legitimate shot at signing the multi-time All-Star. The fit might have been a bit clunky with a number of Miami’s players at their best in the midrange. Nonetheless, their anemic offense would’ve gotten a much needed boost.
The Heat are undoubtedly happy with their rookie class, as Kel’el Ware, Isaiah Stevens, and Pelle Larsson all stood out this summer. However, the drop-off from DeRozan to Alec Burks is quite steep, with all due respect. Miami will still be competitive, but their ceiling was lowered.
Going Back Home
Like signing with the Kings, a move to the Lakers or Clippers would’ve kept him in his beloved home state.
With the Lakers comes legacy; a franchise that’s won 17 NBA championships. As late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant is DeRozan’s personal GOAT, he had even more of a reason to want to play for them. It didn’t hurt that they’ll be seen as championship-contenders so long as LeBron James is around.
DeMar DeRozan:
“Kobe is my GOAT… but what’s real is real. The s*** [James Harden] was doing— I don’t think we’ll ever see that again.”
(via @club520podcast) pic.twitter.com/LY6hXtsMUS
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 27, 2024
On the court, there would’ve been concerns about perimeter defense and floor balance. However, on paper, the Lakers would’ve had arguably the best Big 3 out West. Perhaps that adds to why DeRozan’s reported interest in the Clippers was drowned out.
Unironically, DeRozan would’ve meshed with the Clips better than any of the aforementioned teams though. Even Sacramento.
He would have been surrounded by multiple high-level perimeter defenders. He would’ve had two future Hall of Famers beside him in James Harden and Kawhi Leonard. Lastly, there would be fewer teammates to step on his toes with Leonard his only teammate focused on generating midrange shots.
