What will DeMar DeRozan do this summer?
San Antonio’s summer won’t start until DeMar DeRozan makes a decision regarding his player option. If he exercises it, the Spurs will owe him $27 million for next season.
And while that sounds like an obvious “yes,” there are some who think the 30-year-old guard could opt out of his player option in hope of finding a less lucrative, but longterm deal.
At his age and this stage of his career, it wouldn’t be that surprising, especially when you consider the star-studded free agent market teams will be faced with next summer. If DeRozan is to opt out this summer, he’d all but headline the free agent market.
In 61 games with San Antonio this season he averaged 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.6 assists. In fact, he was the only player this season to average at least 20/5/5 for a non-playoff team.
The only issue is if he does opt out, it that the market will still be limited. The Orlando Magic have long been rumored as a suitor for DeRozan and could be interested in signing him longterm. But that will require a sort of gymnastics through the hoops of cap space, on both ends.
Whether he stays or he goes, DeRozan’s decision will determine the nature of this offseason.