The Orlando Magic are looking for answers, recently expressing interest in acquiring San Antonio Spurs forward DeMar DeRozan to bolster an offense that is ranked 29th in the NBA, according to Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer.
The Magic are at a crossroads after a 3-7 start to the season. DeRozan could be a candidate to get dealt before the deadline after talks of an extension fell through in the summer.
DeRozan can become a free agent in 2020 by declining his $27.7 million player option, but the Spurs could deal him sooner instead or risking to lose star power for nothing in return. The Magic are scouring the trade market in search of scoring, and DeRozan fits the bill.
Since arriving in San Antonio, DeRozan has reverted back to his mastery of the mid-range game, no longer venturing into 3-point shots — now playing for a coach that hates them just as much as he does.
A DeRozan move wouldn't surprise NBA executives, considering that the Spurs haven't shown a clear line of progress with him in the lineup. The Spurs feel optimistic about young guards like point guard Dejounte Murray, Derrick White, Bryn Forbes, and Lonnie Walker IV, but the veteran slasher is still a roadblock for their development, as he's soaking up 33.1 minutes per game at the wing thus far in the season.
The combo of Murray and White have played together for only two minutes through the first 10 games of this campaign — while the trio of Murray, White, and Forbes haven’t played a single minute together.
Second-year wing Walker IV is stashed on the bench, but if DeRozan is traded, it could open up some minutes for the organization to develop him.
The Magic are in dire need of a scoring punch and DeRozan can give them just that, making this a potential trade to keep an eye on as the season progresses.
Follow Us
Subscribe