For years, the Lakers have been linked to DeMar DeRozan and following the trade for Russell Westbrook and the obvious spacing issues that may arise, it seemed those wishes would never have the chance to materialize. However, the landscape appears to be changing.
DeRozan may take a substantial pay cut to join the big three in LA, according to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report.
This presents an interesting dilemma for Rob Pelinka and Frank Vogel. DeRozan may actually hinder the team’s spacing, however, there is no denying his talent. If the Lakers cannot find the shooters they so desperately need, adding DeMar on a steep discount may be the best option.
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- With the Wizards out on a sign-and-trade for Dennis Schroder, their attention turns to Spencer Dinwiddie. The Brooklyn Nets guard is returning from an ACL tear that kept him out for most of last season. Dinwiddie has big shoes to fill in replacing Russell Westbrook.
- The Kyle Lowry sweepstakes are in full gear. Lowry enters free agency with a handful of aggressive suitors after nearly being traded to a few teams at the deadline this year. The Pelicans, Heat, and Mavericks all have serious interest in the 35-year-old point guard’s services. New Orleans has been clearing cap space and needs to surround Zion Williamson with more veteran talent.
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Avery Bradley will not be back with the Rockets next season. Houston will not pick up his option and many teams around the league are “expected to have strong interest in him,” per Shams Charania of The Athletic. Bradley signed with the Heat last offseason and was traded to the Rockets at the deadline in the Victor Oladipo deal. Bradley, who is just 30 years old, may be a missing piece for a team trying to get back to the Finals.
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The Oklahoma City Thunder “are expected to come to terms on a lucrative five-year, maximum-contract extension before the start of next season” with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, per Jake Fischer. There were rumblings SGA would be on the move before or during the draft but nothing materialized. Keeping the 23-year-old point guard long-term provides a building block for a team with a stack of first-round draft picks.
