NBA Trades: 12 perfect playmakers the Spurs must consider pairing with Wembanyama
By Cal Durrett
6) DeMar DeRozan
Chicago Bulls star DeMar DeRozan is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer if he and the Bulls can't agree on an extension before June 30th. The Bulls appear to have made a significant offer but there has yet to be an agreement.
That suggests that DeRozan may want to test free agency and possibly join a title contender. The Spurs don't yet qualify as a title contender but they are seen as a rising star in the Western Conference and DeRozan might return to a dramatically different team that he was traded from in 2021.
DeRozan was highly productive in his three seasons in San Antonio, averaging 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.2 assists but he wasn't a perfect fit. That tends to be the case with DeRozan, given his lack of an outside shot, though he was still incredibly productive this season even as he's nearing his mid-30s.
His knack for generating offense for himself and creating in the pick-and-roll is valuable and may be helpful, even as a de facto point guard for the Spurs next season. If he is willing to take less to return to the Spurs, then they should consider a reunion to see if he can help them take the next step.