Report: San Antonio Spurs DeMar DeRozan "doesn't want to be in San Antonio anymore" According To NBA Agent. Which Team Should Consider Trading For The Former All-Star?

After breaking San Antonio’s streak of consistently making the NBA playoffs since 1999, former All-Star DeMar DeRozan is no longer interested in representing the Spurs. Despite the incredible history and coaching staff, the Spurs are no longer in dominance as the two best players are slowly depleting out of their prime while the rest of the roster is either young or undeveloped. With the Western Conference evolving every season, the Spurs is the only organization in the West that is depleting rather than improving. The notion of DeRozan wanting to leave the San Antonio Spurs is appropriate as no All-Star calibre player wants to be in a rebuilding situation, especially if they are 31 years old! However, according to an NBA staff member of The Athletic, an anonymous scout believes these claims of DeMar DeRozan while also highlighting the possibilities of DeRozan and Fred VanVleet reuniting with Dwayne Casey in Detroit.   

“DeMar doesn’t like San Antonio and doesn’t want to be there. If those guys leave, they land with Dwane Casey in Detroit. That relationship with the former coach is strong. Comes down to money (for VanVleet) and the situation in Toronto is rough with the taxes. VanVleet on the Pistons elevates his status as the number 1-2 guy on a team.”

While these are only claims, DeRozan has experienced a rare feeling of backstabbing and is at a point in his career where winning a championship should be the number one priority. Even though Casey and DeRozan have a special relationship outside of the NBA while also being backstabbed by the Toronto Raptors, DeRozan should help a team contend rather than rekindle relationships if he cares about his legacy. Although there is nothing wrong with DeRozan joining Detroit, it makes no sense to join the Pistons if he wants to be in a situation where he could win a championship. While DeRozan does have a 27.7 million dollar player option that he will most likely accept, the 2021 NBA off-season could be an opportunity for the former All-Star to have a change in scenery. The San Antonio Spurs are headed in a new direction and will look to rebuild hence why both DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge should be traded to contending teams for draft picks or other assets. 

Even though there are relationships in Detroit that DeMar would appreciate, organizations that are either contending or have a bright future in eventually competing for a championship should be DeRozen’s priority. The first team that comes to mind is the Atlanta Hawks, a group similar to the Denver Nuggets in terms of young talent and great assets while also being on the verge of making their first playoff appearance since 2016. Trae Young, who has already been named an All-Star and John Collins, a borderline All-Star, is the Hawks dynasty’s future. However, veteran leadership, a wing scorer, and experience are aspects that this team is missing, hence why DeMar DeRozan would be the perfect candidate to fit this description. Although he does have the reputation of being inconsistent and virtually invisible in the playoffs, his role in Atlanta would be much different, as he would be the third scoring option on this team. If DeRozan can fit that role of merely a wing scorer and an option to the star player, the Hawks could flourish in the Eastern Conference. Furthermore, Atlanta’s depth is promising, granting the Hawks flexibility and rotations or possibly trading players away to attain another All-Star. The idea of a possible trio of Trae Young, John Collins and DeMar DeRozan while having other notable players such as Clint Capela, Cam Reddish, and DeAndre Hunter could lead the Atlanta Hawks to a top-five seed in the Eastern Conference!  

In terms of fit, the Atlanta Hawks could be the best destination for DeRozan to return to All-Star status. However, their chances of making the NBA finals would still be unlikely in the first season or two as a unit. If DeRozan wants to win a championship sooner than later, then a team such as the Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks, or Los Angeles Lakers are all applicable options for the former All-Star. His statics would be dramatically reduced, but his impact would be far greater as he would have a more central role. Rather than being a second option, he would fall into the category of an above-average role player that would average roughly 16-18 points per game! At this point in his career, DeMar would need to sacrifice a lot if he wants to be crowned a champion. 

With DeMar being 31 years old, his prime is slowly vanishing hence why he needs to be on a winning organization. The San Antonio Spurs are one of the greatest franchises in sports history as they have won five NBA championships while tying the record for most playoff appearances in a row being 22 years! Unfortunately, DeMar DeRozan came late to the dominance of San Antonio and with the organization finally rebuilding after a 22-year playoff run, it makes sense why any All-Star calibre player would want to leave Spurs.