NBA Trade Rumor: Demar Derozan Could End Up In Orlando Before Deadline

In dire need of a pure scorer, a number of reports say the Orlando Magic is targeting San Antonio Spurs guard Demar Derozan on a possible swap.

Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer said in an article published on Wednesday, “Multiple league sources say the Magic are scouring the trade market for scoring help and have already expressed interest in trading for DeRozan.”

Backing up this possibility, O’Connor also said, “(The Spurs) is at a crossroads. Despite the fact that he has performed ably since arriving in Texas from Canada, DeRozan might not be in town for that much longer. He could even be traded ahead of the deadline. ”

The Spurs are at a time of dilemma. Undeniably, Gregg Popovich is now starting to retool his team around younger guns with Dejounte Murray, Derrick White and Bryn Forbes spearheading the build-up; but at the same time, he sure wants to preserve his team’s winning culture without having to cut their Playoff streak from running. Hence, it would be difficult for them to let go of a proven scorer in Demar Derozan.

Moreover, Popovich’s system thrives more on set plays rather than running the floor in transition. That’s the reason why Derozan’s offensive toolbox is paramount in their playbook. The four-time All-Star has the knack to beat his defender off the dribble and can knock down mid-range jumpers consistently.

The Spurs’ kids want to run, so they still need veteran stabilizers to keep the game at a slow pace just like how Pop wants it to be.

Just take a look at Derozan’s first points as a Spur.

But the possibility can be explored as the 30-year old former Toronto Raptor superstar may use a player option in his five-year $139 million contract and become an unrestricted free agent after this year.

Besides, the Western Conference is downright stacked right now and their chances for another title run are quite tenuous. Maybe it’s time for them concede the Playoff streak and focus more on the rebuilding process.

The Magic are struggling to start the season having lost seven of their first 10 games so it won’t be surprising if General Manager John Hammond starts making his moves.