NBA Free Agency Roundup: Wizards Eye DeRozan, Pelicans Target Mathurin, Lakers Considered Robinson
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Washington Wizards
The Wizards have joined the pursuit of veteran forward DeMar DeRozan, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported. Washington is already reshaping its roster after acquiring Trae Young and Anthony Davis and selecting AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 overall pick. DeRozan, 36, became a free agent when the Kings waived him earlier this month. He averaged 18.4 points, 4.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds across 77 games last season. Miami, Cleveland and Denver are also said to be in the mix.
New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans has expressed interest in restricted free agent Bennedict Mathurin, according to Charania. Because the Pelicans are over the salary cap, acquiring the Clippers wing would likely require a sign-and-trade, though other salary-clearing moves remain possible. Mathurin posted averages of 16.2 points and 4.7 rebounds over his first four NBA seasons before reaching restricted free agency. A second, unnamed team has reportedly entered negotiations as well.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers’ search for frontcourt help extended beyond Walker Kessler, The Athletic’s Dan Woike wrote. Los Angeles had prepared to chase Mitchell Robinson if its trade for Kessler collapsed. Robinson ultimately signed with Boston, while the Lakers secured Kessler on a four-year contract and later added Kevon Looney as his backup. One Western Conference scout told The Athletic of the Lakers’ commitment to Kessler, “He better be good.”
Source: Hoops Wire
