The San Antonio Spurs have been exploring the trade market for shooting guard DeMar DeRozan, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic.
DeRozan's player option for next season, though, makes things tricky:
The Spurs have been exploring the market for DeMar DeRozan, but a source with knowledge of his situation is quick to point out that the free-agent-to-be has a significant influence on the situation here too.
DeRozan, who has a $27.7 million player option for next season, will have the freedom to walk this summer if he doesn’t like his next landing spot. It’s tough to find serious takers when you know the guy might skip town in just a few months.
Meanwhile, there remains the possibility that he could sign an extension to remain in San Antonio (I reported in October that the sides were far apart, but those talks aren’t dead). With the Spurs somehow still in position to set a new NBA record by securing their 23rd consecutive playoff berth, DeRozan is leading the team in scoring (21.7 points per game) and assists (4.9 per).
DeRozan is making $27.7 million this season. He's averaging 22.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists on the season while shooting 53.4 percent from the field, 32.0 percent from beyond the arc and 83.0 percent from the free-throw line.
The Spurs are 16-21 on the season. They are in ninth place in the Western Conference standings.