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Trail Blazers: Should DeMar DeRozan trade rumors pique Portland’s interest?

By Austin Carroll

SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 16: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 16, 2019 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photos by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 16: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 16, 2019 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photos by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Portland Trail Blazers are facing a big decision and standing at the crossroads of their season. However, they may have a potential solution on their hands.

Although he may not be the first name that comes to mind when Portland Trail Blazers fans think of a potential trade target currently on the San Antonio Spurs, DeMar DeRozan has now found himself on the hot seat.

While he might be a bit of an imperfect fit, there’s a lot of reasons Rip City should be actively following these developments.

DeRozan famously found himself planted in San Antonio to facilitate the Kawhi Leonard trade that resulted in the Toronto Raptors winning a championship. Entering the final year of his old contract (with a player option for next season attached), DeMar has a lot of big decisions ahead.

Like the Trail Blazers, the Spurs have started the year off to a 6-12 record. Unlike Portland however, San Antonio doesn’t have an upward trajectory and multiple key injuries to blame their shortcomings on. If he wants out, making a move to deal DeRozan now before losing him for nothing makes the most sense.

And speculation says DeRozan seems to most certainly want out. He recently cleaned house on his Instagram post history, something he also did immediately before being traded away by Kawhi. Keep in mind, this was all premeditated by reports stating the Orlando Magic were actively pursuing DeRozan, which also means San Antonio has to at least be entertaining offers.

HoopsHype’s Frank Urbina recently discussed DeRozan’s trade value with multiple Western Conference executives, and one anonymous respondent left a scorching review, “I don’t think DeRozan or Aldridge are worthy of getting two assets back in return”.

If the asking price is really going to be this low, shouldn’t the Trail Blazers at least entertain the idea of making a move for a player the caliber of DeRozan?

He has the size to play small forward and is certainly more assertive than incumbent wing Rodney Hood, who seems to disappear on certain nights. In fact, he has made the second most 2-point field goals of any player this season, behind only the Greek Freak himself.

DeRozan has received a lot of flak in the past due to his inability to shoot the ball from deep and lead a team to the Finals, but he wouldn’t need to do either of those things in Portland. The Trail Blazers could surround DeMar with shooters, and he would only the third or fourth option on a fully healthy roster.

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Alleviating the pressure off his shoulders might help DeRozan — and the Trail Blazers — reach new heights. While there would still be some kinks to work out, capitalizing on a team selling a valuable for low may be the smartest move Portland’s front office can make at this junction in the season.