DeMar DeRozan Opts into Contract With Spurs Amid Lakers Trade Rumors
DeMar DeRozan has decided to exercise the player option on his Spurs contract for the 2020-21 season. (Photo via YouTube)
As San Antonio Spurs trade rumors loom, DeMar DeRozan has shown his intent to remain part of the roster. As of Monday, the 11-year veteran officially opted into the player option of his Spurs contract for 2020-21. While that doesn’t rule out a trade happening, it seems to show DeRozan’s intent on getting paid as a member of the Spurs.
DeMar DeRozan Opts Into Contract With Spurs, Per League Sources
Shams Charania of The Athletic reported on Monday, November 16, citing league sources that said DeMar DeRozan had decided to opt into his $27.7 million contract with the Spurs. That will cover the upcoming 2020-21 season, which as of this writing, has yet to receive an official start date.
It would mean DeRozan’s third season with the San Antonio Spurs, barring a trade. The four-time All-Star arrived in San Antonio in the 2017-18 NBA season as part of the blockbuster deal involving Kawhi Leonard going to the Toronto Raptors.
Since his arrival in San Antonio, DeRozan has averaged 21.6 points, 5.9 assists, and 5.8 rebounds. He’s also remained healthy, playing in 77 games in the 2018-19 season, and in 68 games this past season.
That included traveling to Orlando with the team to participate in the NBA bubble and restart games. During that stint, DeRozan moved to the power forward spot, allowing other players to get into the rotation.
Lakers Trade Still a Possibility?
SpursTalk recently reported on the rumors that DeMar DeRozan was a trade target for the Los Angeles Lakers. In fact, a specific deal that would bring Kyle Kuzma and Danny Green to San Antonio was being mentioned.
While DeRozan’s opting into the final year of his Spurs contract seems to show he’ll stay in San Antonio, it’s still possible the team could trade him. The recent rumors have been circulating with regards to a rebuild of the Spurs’ roster. That could also include deals to move Patty Mills and LaMarcus Aldridge.
DeRozan even commented on the possibility of playing for the Lakers. He admitted it was something he thought about while growing up in the Los Angeles area. That said, he made the smart business move for now in making sure he’s going to get paid.
As of right now, he seems committed to Gregg Popovich and the San Antonio Spurs, but will the team choose to continue with DeRozan this coming week or season? That remains to be seen.
San Antonio is also set to participate in the NBA Draft this coming Wednesday, November 18. Stay tuned to see if any deals emerge with the team’s picks and possibly DeMar DeRozan. Visit the SpursTalk news page for more updates on the players and team.