Any interest from the Golden State Warriors in DeMar DeRozan has gone silent after brief rumors when the veteran wing first hit free agency following his buyout from the Sacramento Kings.
Part of that may be because of the asking price from DeRozan and his camp who, according to the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson, want at least the non-taxpayer mid-level exception rather than accepting a minimum deal towards the end of his career.
Warriors can already forget about DeMar DeRozan
The Warriors could theoretically still target DeRozan given they remain with two roster spots available, but they only have minimums to offer after using the non-taxpayer mid-level exception to bring back veteran guard De'Anthony Melton.
Even if Golden State renewed interest in DeRozan, the Denver Nuggets appear in the box seat if he were to accept a minim contract. According to NBA insider Marc Stein on Wednesday, there's belief the Nuggets can make an appealing pitch to DeRozan who they've turned their attention to after dealing Peyton Watson to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a major sign-and-trade.
Golden State can therefore forget about DeRozan as an option despite being rumored as a potential fallback plan to LeBron James before the superstar forward made his decision to head to the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Warriors haven't really been linked to DeRozan since even though the six-time All-Star remains unsigned toward the end of August. The Heat have also been interested in DeRozan, but also have firm attention placed on Golden State legend Klay Thompson should he reach a buyout with the Dallas Mavericks.
DeRozan's ongoing free agency wait is fascinating given he remains a productive offensive player, having averaged 18.4 points and 4.1 assists with the Kings last season while shooting an efficient 49.7% from the floor.
Warriors relying on internal improvement to improve lowly offense
There's an argument for the Warriors to chase DeRozan given his offensive production and the team's lack of go-to scorers while Jimmy Butler remains sidelined by injury. However, it's clear from Golden State's moves (or lack thereof) this summer that they're hoping and relying on internal improvement to boost an offense that ranked 19th last season.
The Warriors will be hoping for more availability and greater efficiency from starting center Kristaps Porzingis, natural growth and improvement from the likes of Brandin Podziemski and Gui Santos, and a jolt from exciting 11th overall pick Yaxel Lendeborg.
Golden State have been linked to a number of players as they look to round out their roster, but it's fair to say we won't be seeing DeRozan in the Bay Area alongside Stephen Curry and company.
