Someone Needs To Sign DeMar DeRozan Already

How can the 6-Time NBA All-Star DeMar DeRozan still be available at this point of NBA free-agency? In fact, I'd be happy to argue with anyone that DeRozan will probably be the most impactful free agent of any of the free agents signed so far, and yes, that includes both Paul George and the aging Klay Thompson.

To put it bluntly, it is crazy that someone who averaged 24 points and 5.3 assists per game, dominating from the midrange, and leading the NBA in minutes played has not been picked up yet. Yes, it is true DeRozan is now 34 years old, but in his case, he has not shown any signs of decline like George and Thompson.

The problem for DeRozan is that most teams are now totally out of cap space, and the teams willing to enter the stranger things world of the NBA's second apron will find it difficult to give him anything remotely close to his actual value.

Rob Pelinka, who has fumbled every ball this offseason, could redeem himself with Lakers nation if he could bring DeRozan in.

DeRozan has been statistically better than George, Thompson, and Tobias Harris over the past three years, yet he appears to be sitting on the sidelines waiting for the phone to ring. DeRozan will most likely have to take considerably less than Harris in a one-year deal. Harris somehow got the Detroit Pistons to give him a two-year deal worth $52 million.

Last season, DeRozan made over $28 million, but he may now have to accept a one-year deal between $12 and $15 million if he wants to play for a contender.

The Lakers are already at the second apron after LeBron's max contract was signed earlier in the day. They still have some flexibility if they can trade a few assets off their roaster, but do the Lakers have the stomach for another significant contract for an aging player?

Imagine putting up the numbers that DeRozan has put up over the past 3 years, proving that age has not affected your game yet, and still, you are unable to get the street value that you deserve. The reality is that DeRozan appears to be the first true victim of the NBA's second apron. As mentioned, he will most likely have to accept a deal that is considerably lower than what he made last year if he is going to play in the NBA next season.