Now that LeBron James is finally off the board, the NBA offseason can finally commence in full. While the player pool grows smaller by the day, more than a few notable free agents exist who are expected to get signed this summer.
Among them is NBA veteran DeMar DeRozan, who is looking for a new team after recently coming to a buyout agreement with the Sacramento Kings. At 36, the NBA veteran is near the end of his career, but multiple teams are in pursuit, including the Washington Wizards.
“Another top player available is DeMar DeRozan. The Cavaliers are among a few teams that have interest in him,” reported Shams Charania on NBA Today. “Miami and Denver are also pursuing DeRozan. One new team over the last few days that has had some conversations with DeMar DeRozan: the Washington Wizards. You think about a team that’s clearly trying to compete around Anthony Davis, Trae Young, and AJ Dybantsa.”
DeRozan is far removed from his glory days in Toronto, where he led the Raptors to regular playoff appearances. Still, with averages of 18.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game on 49.7% shooting from the field last season, he’s someone who can make a positive impact in the right situation. At the very least, his experience and competitive nature should make him an effective voice in the locker room.
The Miami Heat seem especially well-suited for a veteran like DeRozan on a cheap minimum deal, but the Wizards could also make a viable destination. Historically, they have struggled to be competitive, and playoff success has been a rarity. In modern times, however, the Wizards are on the rise, and DeRozan could be the piece that helps them reach their potential.
At point guard, Trae Young will provide a steady stream of scoring while running the floor as an elite playmaker. He’s proven he can thrive under pressure and is looking to restore his value after facing adversity on the Atlanta Hawks. There’s also star big man Anthony Davis, a 10x All-Star and NBA champion. Despite his injury history, there is strong optimism that he can serve as a defensive anchor for the Wizards.
Looking at the young core, it begins with the 2026 first overall pick, AJ Dybantsa. He shows out in Summer League, convincing critics everywhere that he’s ready to make an impact right out of the gate. Alex Sarr is their blooming young big man who will be ready to take the reins from Davis, while Bilal Coulibaly is expected to take another leap after three years in Washington. That’s not to mention guys like Kyshawn George and Bub Carrington, who are all expected to play major roles in the rotation.
In the end, DeMar DeRozan might have better options if he’s looking for the easiest path to the title. But if he wants a place where he can win now, establish something new, and build toward the future, the Wizards aren’t a bad pick at all, and that’s more than could be said for most of their existence.
