Following a report from Marc J. Spears stating that Sacramento is a ‘dark horse’ to watch DeMar DeRozanBarry Jackson of The Miami Herald confirms (via Twitter) that the Kings And Bulls have held discussions about a potential sign-and-trade deal involving the free agent forward.
The Tracks have also emerged as a possibility for DeRozan, Jackson adds. The 34-year-old previously played three seasons for Gregg Popovich in San Antonio from 2018-21.
While Jackson (Twitter link) isn’t ruling the Heat out entirely for DeRozan, he notes that the club’s salary cap situation makes it impossible to give the forward the kind of contract he seeks. Thus, it appears management wants to hold onto the assets in case a better trade opportunity arises. As a team with a starting position, Miami would be better positioned to acquire a player already under contract than a free agent like DeRozan via sign-and-trade.
Here are some more rumors and notes about NBA free agents:
- The Sixes have expressed interest in the possibility of a reunion with the free agent forward and Philadelphia native Marcus Morrismultiple sources tell Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. The 76ers aren’t the only team keeping an eye on Morris, though. Pistons, Hornets, Cavaliers, Non-conformists, HeatAnd Timber wolves have all shown some degree of interest, Pompey writes.
- It is unclear where Milestones will end, according to Rod Boone of The Charlotte Observer, who says the Pistons‘interest seems to have waned after the changes in their front office and coaching, while the Sixes were “never in” for the free agent forward. The Hornets and Bridges have openly expressed their interest in a new deal earlier in the offseason, but they’ve had over two weeks to talk and there still appears to be no momentum to reach an agreement. “I think they will eventually sign and trade Bridges,” a rival driver told Boone.
- The clothes pegs keep interested in bringing back Kai Jonesbut the big man has an ankle injury that will keep him out of Summer League, a source told The Athletic’s Law Murray (Twitter link).
- The Pistons are one of the few teams that still have significant cap space available and should at least reach the minimum salary floor before the season starts. Omari Sankofa II of The Detroit Free Press (subscription required) suggests a few potential free agent targets for Detroit, including Malik Beasley And Gary Trent Jr.while The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III considers trade scenarios that could make sense for the club’s payroll cap space.