The Washington Wizards have emerged as the latest team to engage with DeMar DeRozan in free agency, with ESPN’s Shams Charania reporting that the two sides have held conversations within the last couple of days. The discussions come after the biggest domino in the veteran free-agent market fell, as LeBron James committed to the Philadelphia 76ers, removing the primary factor that had been delaying DeRozan’s decision.
Earlier this month, Evan Sidery reported that DeRozan planned to wait until James chose his next destination before committing to a new team. With that uncertainty now resolved, franchises that missed out on James have begun shifting their attention toward the six-time All-Star, and Washington appears to be among them.
DeRozan became an unrestricted free agent after negotiating a contract buyout with the Sacramento Kings. Although Sacramento finished just 22-60 and missed the playoffs, the 36-year-old continued to produce at a high level. He averaged 18.4 points, 4.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds across 77 games while shooting 49.7% from the field and 86.8% from the free-throw line. His durability also remained a strength, as he appeared in nearly the entire season while continuing to rank among the league’s most reliable mid-range scorers.
Washington enters the offseason following a 17-65 campaign, the NBA’s worst record and last-place finish in the Eastern Conference. Despite the struggles, the roster features one of the league’s youngest cores led by 21-year-old center Alex Sarr, who averaged 16.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in 48 games during his sophomore season.
The Wizards also received encouraging development from several young perimeter players. Kyshawn George averaged 14.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.5 assists while shooting 38.1% from three-point range, Bilal Coulibaly contributed 11.7 points with solid defensive production, and rookie guard Tre Johnson posted 12.2 points over 60 appearances. Bub Carrington started 48 games and averaged 10.7 points and 4.6 assists, giving Washington multiple young ball-handlers to develop.
Adding DeRozan would provide Washington with an accomplished veteran capable of stabilizing the offense and mentoring its young players. The five-time All-NBA selection has averaged at least 20 points in 11 different NBA seasons and remains one of the league’s most polished isolation and half-court scorers despite entering his 17th season.
The Wizards are not the only franchise connected to DeRozan. Marc Stein previously reported that the Detroit Pistons have considered pursuing the veteran forward after their 60-win season ended with a seven-game Eastern Conference semifinal loss to Cleveland. The Miami Heat have also been linked to DeRozan as they continue reshaping their roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo following this summer’s blockbuster trade.
