NBA rumors have been picking up as the offseason goes on, with the latest speculation coming from the Detroit Pistons. Marc Stein has reported that the Pistons may entertain the idea of pursuing DeMar DeRozan in NBA free agency.
The Pistons are still evaluating the prospect of pursuing DeMar DeRozan in free agency, league sources say. It is not yet certain if Detroit will indeed join Toronto as a confirmed bidder for the six-time former All-Star guard, but The Stein Line did learn this week that the Pistons have been assessing the concept – Marc Stein (The Stein Line)
DeRozan is still an extremely talented player with a few years of production left. His value isn’t what it used to be, but a secondary scorer to Cade Cunningham would be awesome at this point in the offseason. A veteran’s minimum contract could not have more value (unless pursuing LeBron James) than signing DeRozan.
The Pistons really struggled in the postseason last year with options other than Cunningham. They need to get someone with the ability to control the ball and score on his own. DeRozan is just that: He averaged 18.1 PPG last season with the Sacramento Kings.
The Pistons’ offseason has not been one that a typical number-one seed should have. They haven’t improved nearly as much as they would have liked. The depth chart looks awfully similar to what it was last year, if not a little worse.
They traded Isaiah Stewart to the Memphis Grizzlies and lost Tobias Harris to the San Antonio Spurs. There has always been no resolution to the Jalen Duren situation, and things aren’t looking good for a return to Detroit.
The Pistons did add John Collins and Isaiah Joe via trade and drafted Ebuka Okorie to help the rotation. Still, are these the moves that championship-hopeful teams make? Not exactly.
Adding DeRozan would save their offseason, giving them exactly what they need. If they hope to stick around the top of a vastly improved Eastern Conference, adding the six-time All-Star is the move.
Derozan has had incredible success in his career, but now it’s time for him to try to win. He’s never been able to get over the hump, but signing in Detroit would be his best chance yet. As for the Pistons, why wouldn’t you take a chance for such a low price? This should be a no-brainer.
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