NBA Trade Rumors: Top 4 Landing Spots for DeMar DeRozan

DeMar DeRozan is done with the Chicago Bulls. A number of teams have been noted as having interest in the six-time All-Star forward, but it appears that we can whittle the list down to the top 4 most likely destinations for the free agent.

And we begin with the team that was revealed early on Wednesday as being the "slight" frontrunner:

Miami Heat

The Miami Heat are currently viewed as the favorites to land DeMar DeRozan, per @jovanbuha

“The Lakers aggressively pursued Klay Thompson, but Thompson turned down their offer of more years and money from the Lakers to join the Dallas Mavericks, according to league sources.… pic.twitter.com/Ruv70jvvjj
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 3, 2024

The Heat are looking to get themselves back into the elite in the Eastern Conference, but it was evident this season that they'll themselves another star player to get there. DeRozan would be an Erik Spoelstra kind of guy. But conflicting reports suggest that the Heat won't have the cap space to be able to offer DeRozan what he's looking for on a new contract.

"For the teams that might be calling or gauging interest in DeMar taking a full mid-level exception, which is around $13 million, I am told that is not even being considered right now," Insider Chris Haynes said.

Sacramento Kings

Which brings us to the Sacramento Kings, who do have the funds and the assets to be able to lure DeRozan in a sign-and-trade with the Bulls.

REPORT: The Kings have discussed a DeMar DeRozan sign-and-trade with the Bulls, per @flasportsbuzz.

“Spurs also now another possibility. Despite DeRozan interest in Miami, Heat not in position to give him what he's seeking at this time...“ pic.twitter.com/ggVgfJUPvx
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 4, 2024

The Kings have stars De'Aaron Fox in the backcourt and Domantas Sabonis down low, but adding DeRozan as a mid-range scorer supreme would be a huge get.

San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs are showing interest in DeMar DeRozan

(Via @flasportsbuzz)#NBA #NBAX #NBAFreeAgency pic.twitter.com/M9N9N2Rb27
— CourtSideHeat (@courtsideheat) July 4, 2024

As noted by Miami insider Barry Jackson, DeMar's old team the Spurs could be looking at a reunion. DeRozan and coach Gregg Popovich shared a tremendously close relationship, and it's quite possible the two could be looking at a redux, now that the Spurs seem ready to vault into contention under the wings of Victor Wembanyama and new recruit Chris Paul.

Los Angeles Lakers

Ah yes, the Lakers will always be hovering, especially for a hometown kid like DeRozan. After being spurned by Klay Thompson for the Dallas Mavericks, the Lakers have "turned their attention" to DeRozan.

In his three years with the Bulls, he averaged 25.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.3 assists.