DeMar DeRozan continues to have a great 2016 season and his latest performance in the playoffs last night points to signs that he could earn a max contract this summer. Throughout the season, NBA rumors have linked the Raptors star going back home and playing for his hometown team the Los Angeles Lakers. DeRozan, who is only 26 years old, is going to be receiving a lot of interest, but the Lakers could be a major draw for him.
DeRozan has a player option in his contract, but it’s only worth $9.5 million. DeMar will join the likes of Kevin Durant, Al Horford, Nicolas Batum, Rajon Rondo, Mike Conley, Pau Gasol and Harrison Barnes in the free agent market this offseason. All big names in the NBA that could be getting a big pay-day this offseason.
DeRozan once again put up All-Star caliber numbers and has emerged as one of the better one-on-one scorers. He never really developed a reliable three-point stroke and was at 33.8 % this season, but he’s effective attacking the basket and shooting from mid-range. When he gets his teammates involved and slows things down, DeMar becomes a force on the court. Kyle Lowry and DeRozan really played well together this season and the past two playoff games against the Cavs.
It will not be easy for the Raptors to give DeRozan the type of contract he wants. They could have up to $32.4 million in cap space, which could be enough to keep DeRozan. If they choose to spend the money on DeRozan, adding other pieces I think will be out of the question for more than a minimum contract. Allowing a young star like DeRozan to get away is never an easy decision for a team. Without DeRozan on the Raptors roster, the Raptors will lose their star scorer to go along with a growing leader and fan favorite. If I’m the Raptors, though, I am going to pay DeRozan that max contract and try to bring back other free agents like Terrence Ross and Bismack Biyombo for minimum contracts. You don’t know when you are going to get another young scorer like that on your team, and you can’t let him walk the way he has been playing.