Report: DeMar DeRozan to take a “wide open” approach to his impending free agency

DeMar DeRozan could take a “wide open” approach to his impending free agency this offseason, per Sam Amick and John Hollinger of The Athletic.

A source with knowledge of DeRozan’s outlook said he’ll be taking a “wide open” approach to free agency in terms of possible landing spots. But after these past three seasons in San Antonio, where he was asked to sacrifice on the scoring front and evolve as a playmaker in the process, the master of the midrange has put himself in prime position to take advantage of this well-earned reputation as a more versatile offensive threat.

The Spurs, whose choice to waive LaMarcus Aldridge in exchange for $5.8 million in buyout money was the headline of their deadline period, are on the dawn of a new financial era. Between Aldridge, DeRozan Rudy Gay, Patty Mills and Trey Lyles, they have a combined $78 million coming off the books.

As for DeRozan’s ultimate landing spot, it will be fascinating to see what teams emerge as suitors and what the market bears. In this point guard-heavy free agency class, he’s the best wing player available outside of Leonard, who – as we noted – doesn’t appear to actually be available.

After opting into the fifth-year $27.7M player option in November, DeMar DeRozan will be free to re-sign with the Silver and Black or ink a new deal with any team of his choosing this offseason.

San Antonio was reportedly listening to offers for the four-time All-Star at the trade deadline that passed nearly two weeks ago but decided to retain his services for the rest of the season.

The Spurs acquired the high-scoring swingman from the Raptors in the summer of 2018 in a blockbuster deal that sent franchise cornerstone Kawhi Leonard and long-time role-player Danny Green to Toronto.

PATFO also obtained rim-protecting center Jakob Poeltl and a 2019 first-round pick that ultimately became NBA Rising Star Keldon Johnson in the transaction mentioned above.

Should DeMar DeRozan take his talents elsewhere, Dejounte Murray, Derrick White, Lonnie Walker IV, Keldon Johnson, and Devin Vassell could be in line for a substantial surge in their offensive responsibilities.

Patty Mills, Rudy Gay, Trey Lyles are also on expiring contracts, which gives San Antonio a projected $50.6M to spend on rookie-scale extensions and the 2021 free-agent class.