DeMar DeRozan could leave the San Antonio Spurs shortly, as the team is reportedly looking for trade partners for the swingman. However, they have a big obstacle in DeRozan’s player option for next season, which makes things more complicated for the Spurs.

According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, San Antonio has been exploring the trade market with no luck trying to find a team willing to receive DeRozan.

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).

DeMar is making $27 million this year while averaging 22.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists on the season, shooting 53.4 percent from the field, 32.0 percent from beyond the arc and 83.0 percent from the free-throw line.

This term hasn’t been the best for Spurs, who are 16-21, sitting in ninth place in the West standings. Some changes need to be made and it looks like DeRozan will be one of them.