Spurs: Analyzing DeMar DeRozan’s momentous free agency decision

DeMar DeRozan has an important decision to make this offseason that could affect his future with the San Antonio Spurs and outlook of the league.

According to Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes, San Antonio Spurs wing DeMar DeRozan plans to decline his $27.7 million player option for the 2020-21 season and become an unrestricted free agent if he and the Spurs cannot come to terms on a contract extension.

The Spurs have struggled this season as they entered the hiatus with a record of 27-36, 12th in the ultracompetitive Western Conference.

DeRozan is averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 assists and 5.6 rebounds on 52.6 percent shooting this season, but hasn’t been a comfortable fit throughout his time in San Antonio.

The Spurs have not had much success with DeRozan and it seems like they had more expectations when they acquired him in the package that sent Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors in 2018.

They have plenty of young talent to develop including Lonnie Walker IV, Derrick White, Dejounte Murray, Luka Samanic and Keldon Johnson that are eager to earn more playing time.

It appears that San Antonio could be headed toward change within their roster since the team they have now isn’t meeting expectations. The organization could shift their focus to rebuilding and developing their young core.

Therefore, I don’t think the Spurs should offer DeRozan a contract extension anytime soon and I don’t expect them to, which could lead to DeRozan declining his player option and entering 2020 free agency as one of the top players available in a weak free agent class.

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If not playing in San Antonio next season, where could DeMar DeRozan end up?

DeRozan could look at this opportunity to sign another long-term contract and return to the Eastern Conference.

Before the 2020 trade deadline passed, the Spurs viewed the Miami Heat “as a potential trade partner” if they decided to trade DeRozan or LaMarcus Aldridge, per Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

Could the Heat pursue DeRozan if he declines his player option and becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason? It may be one of the top destinations for DeRozan since Miami has enough cap space to sign him to an attractive contract and the team has identified themselves as legit contenders in the East.

Although there could be mutual interest, the Heat could be prioritizing and preparing for the free agent class in 2021 where there will be better options that include multiple superstars.

If Miami signs DeMar DeRozan to a hefty long-term contract this year, they will likely insert themselves out of the race for any superstar free agents in 2021.

In my eyes, the only way DeRozan plays for the Heat next season is if it’s on a one-year deal.

Is it possible for DeRozan to reunite with his best friend Kyle Lowry and the Raptors? I highly doubt it since the same deal goes for Toronto in that they’re reportedly preparing for 2021 free agency.

In addition, it appears that DeRozan and Masai Ujiri still need to repair their relationship after Ujiri traded him to San Antonio.

The Raptors are another team that I would assume only willing to offer DeRozan a one-year deal and then assess their options the next summer.

If DeMar DeRozan is, in fact, looking for a long-term contract this offseason, teams with enough cap space that I think could be interested include the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks.

I’ve mentioned the Orlando Magic as a possible destination before since they’re in need of scoring on the wing, but they would most likely need to acquire DeRozan in a sign-and-trade.

DeMar DeRozan will face a pivotal decision in his career as he turns 31 years old in August.

He could sign an extension with the Spurs (which San Antonio should avoid), opt into his $27.7 million player option, decline his player option and become an unrestricted free agent, or work out a sign-and-trade.

I personally believe that the best option for DeRozan would be to opt-in to his player option and become a free agent in 2021 after completing his contract.

Cap space will be limited around the NBA this offseason, so becoming a free agent in 2021 would likely benefit DeRozan more since more teams will be projected to have a greater amount of cap space.

A sign-and-trade could also benefit both DeRozan and the Spurs if they are able to figure out an agreement.

All in all, DeMar DeRozan has a very important decision to make this offseason that will affect the future of his career.