DeMar DeRozan’s free agency has reached the point where the Warriors are no longer part of the conversation.
Golden State was briefly floated as a possible landing spot after DeRozan was bought out by the Sacramento Kings, but that noise has faded fast. The biggest reason appears to be the price tag. According to the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson, DeRozan and his camp are seeking at least the non-taxpayer mid-level exception instead of settling for a minimum deal this late in his career.
That matters for the Warriors because their spending power is already spoken for. After using the non-taxpayer mid-level exception to bring back veteran guard De’Anthony Melton, Golden State can only offer minimum contracts. The team does still have two roster spots open, but that doesn’t change the financial reality.
Even if the Warriors wanted to make a push, they may be too late. NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Wednesday that the Denver Nuggets are believed to be in position to make a strong pitch if DeRozan is willing to take a minimum contract. Denver has shifted its attention to DeRozan after dealing Peyton Watson to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a major sign-and-trade.
The Warriors had previously been mentioned as a possible fallback if their pursuit of LeBron James went nowhere, but that never developed into anything real. Since then, the chatter around DeRozan and Golden State has basically gone quiet. The Heat have also shown interest, while keeping their own focus on Golden State legend Klay Thompson if he ever reaches a buyout with the Dallas Mavericks.
DeRozan is still sitting on the market as August winds down, and the wait is notable because his production remains strong. Last season with the Kings, he averaged 18.4 points and 4.1 assists while shooting 49.7% from the field.
There’s a case for Golden State to want another proven scorer, especially with Jimmy Butler sidelined by injury and the offense lacking a clear go-to option. But the team’s actions this summer point in a different direction. The Warriors seem to be banking on internal growth and better health to lift an offense that finished 19th last season.
That means more from Kristaps Porzingis, more development from Brandin Podziemski and Gui Santos, and a possible spark from 11th overall pick Yaxel Lendeborg.
Golden State has been tied to several names while trying to finish off its roster, but DeRozan no longer looks like one of them.
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