The Detroit Pistons are evaluating a potential pursuit of free-agent forward DeMar DeRozan, league sources told Marc Stein on The Stein Line.
According to Stein, Detroit has not opened formal negotiations, choosing first to resolve center Jalen Duren’s restricted free agency. The team wants a clearer picture of its spending space below the luxury-tax line and first apron. The club also sits at the 15-player limit on standard contracts even before re-signing Duren, creating an additional roster hurdle.
Despite adding shooters Isaiah Joe and Taurean Prince via trade and signing John Collins in free agency, the Pistons are still looking for another scoring option to reduce the load on star guard Cade Cunningham. DeRozan, the NBA’s 16th all-time leading scorer, is viewed as one of the top remaining options on the market.
Stein noted that the Toronto Raptors are also in the mix, but local media remain skeptical about a reunion with the 17-year veteran. Sportsnet’s Michael Grange has repeatedly called a deal unlikely, and Doug Smith of The Toronto Star pointed to Toronto’s cap constraints and the limited role it could offer.
Smith reported that DeRozan would welcome a return to Toronto if circumstances align and confirmed that the sides have been in contact. He also linked the six-time All-Star to the Lakers, Heat, Warriors, and Trail Blazers, though the seriousness of those clubs’ interest is not yet clear.
Stein added that a fuller picture of DeRozan’s market should emerge after LeBron James selects his next team; franchises that miss out on James could pivot to DeRozan.
Source: Hoops Rumors
