[Stein] The Pistons are still evaluating the prospect of pursuing DeMar DeRozan in free agency, league sources say. A more complete picture of DeRozan’s suitors will emerge after LeBron James picks his next team. Suitors that miss out on LeBron are bound to have interest in DeRozan.
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.
On one hand, Detroit is already looking at a roster crunch and still faces challenging contract extension negotiations between now and Opening Night with All-NBA big man Jalen Duren and defensive ace Ausar Thompson. Yet it’s likewise true that Pistons — who currently sit an estimated $46 million under the luxury tax threshold to re-sign Duren and retain some flexibility for an additional upgrade — do remain in need of some offensive punch in support of star guard Cade Cunningham.
The most notable newcomers in Motown thus far this offseason are Isaiah Joe to add shooting and veteran forward John Collins, who essentially took Isaiah Stewart’s frontcourt spot after Stewart was dealt to Memphis.
It’s believed that a more complete picture of DeRozan’s suitors will emerge after James picks his next team. Some of the teams that miss out on LeBron are bound to turn to the 36-year-old.