The San Antonio Spurs have already made a big move this summer by signing future Hall of Famer Chris Paul but a new report suggests they could bring back a former star as well. According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Spurs are one of the teams interested in Chicago Bulls free agent DeMar DeRozan.
Kings have talked to Bulls about DeRozan sign and trade, per source. Spurs also now another possibility. Despite DeRozan interest in Miami, Heat not in position to give him what he's seeking at this time... Heat will hope opportunity on some player it wants arises this summer.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) July 4, 2024
Their interest is fascinating, to say the least, considering that DeRozan previously spent three years in San Antonio before he was signed and traded to the Bulls. While he was a strong contributor playing in San Antonio, averaging 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game, the Spurs made the playoffs just once in his three-year tenure.
Nevertheless, he still appears to have a great relationship with his former coach Gregg Popovich and the Spurs are likely motivated to bring in veterans to help improve the roster around rising superstar Victor Wembanyama.
Would acquiring DeMar DeRozan make sense for the San Antonio Spurs?
From a talent perspective, the answer is definitely yes. Even though he is 34 years old, he averaged a terrific 24 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game last season for the Bulls. However, his lack of outside shooting and his defensive limitations make him an awkward fit on just about any team in the NBA. With Wembanyama, the Spurs could overlook the latter but not the former, with San Antonio having only a handful of above-average shooters currently on their roster.
Not only would he negatively affect their spacing around Wembanyama but he would take the ball out of Paul's hands, who was acquired to get Wembanyama the ball. DeRozan would likely want to start, and with Paul, Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan, and Victor Wembanyama all locks, Popovich would have his hands full building a competent offense with two non-shooters in the starting lineup.
Still, San Antonio could technically clear up about $16 million in cap space, which they can use to sign him to a one-year deal, making it a short-term experiment with the goal of raising their floor. DeRozan would with his scoring and passing. Be that as it may, his fit might not make a lot of sense on a team full of young players in need of playing time.