{"id":854714,"date":"2026-08-11T23:36:13","date_gmt":"2026-08-11T23:36:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/854714\/"},"modified":"2026-08-11T23:36:13","modified_gmt":"2026-08-11T23:36:13","slug":"pros-and-cons-of-cavaliers-pursuing-demar-derozan-in-free-agency","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/854714\/","title":{"rendered":"Pros and Cons of Cavaliers Pursuing Demar DeRozan in Free Agency"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Cleveland Cavaliers<\/a> are thinking about pursuing veteran free agent DeMar DeRozan<\/a> as a potential starting wing player ahead of next month\u2019s training camp.<\/p>\n

After missing out on a few targets, most notably LeBron James, Cleveland has added Mario Hezonja and has possibly unearthed a diamond in rookie Meleek Thomas; however, the Cavs are still in the hunt for a proven player \u2013 and DeRozan fits the bill.<\/p>\n

Obtaining DeRozan just before training camp starts would, in likelihood, put him above Hezonja as a starting small forward, though the Croatian would still play a pivotal role as he makes his NBA return; but for DeRozan, there are many pros and a few cons for Cleveland to consider if they signed the six-time All-Star.<\/p>\n

DeRozan still has the scoring touch <\/p>\n

At 37-years-old, DeRozan still packs a scoring punch, which will be of great help to leading offensive marksman Donovan Mitchell. <\/p>\n

He averaged 18.4 points per game last season for the Sacramento Kings and shot a shade under 50% from the floor, providing them with a solid mid-range weapon, as DeRozan does his scoring damage from there.<\/p>\n

He provides elite isolation scoring and mid-range shot creation, giving the offense a reliable safety net when plays break down in crunch time, and importantly, he can become a suitable mentor for Thomas as he embarks on his rookie adventure, with the aim of making a name for himself, as he did in the Summer League.<\/p>\n

DeRozan is low risk, which is music to the Cavs\u2019 ears <\/p>\n

With the Cavs carrying the burden of an expensive roster and heavy salary issues, the addition of DeRozan gives Cleveland an affordable option as a seasoned veteran.<\/p>\n

Having been waived by the Kings, it\u2019s said that DeRozan could be the best available free agent on the market right now, and the 17-year NBA professional still has gas left in the tank at a low cost.<\/p>\n

That said, DeRozan is reportedly looking for a multi-million dollar salary rather than the standard veteran minimum deal, making him a short-term player with declining athletic upside \u2013 and that\u2019s where the cons come into play.<\/p>\n

DeRozan doesn\u2019t solve all of the Cavs\u2019 lingering issues <\/p>\n

While DeRozan provides a scoring punch, he doesn\u2019t solve Cleveland\u2019s problems when it comes to size, length or defense on the wing, the latter of which Dean Wade did provide<\/a> last season before his move to the Philadelphia 76ers.<\/p>\n

His spacing is also an issue, and with his age, being in the twilight of his illustrious NBA career, that will be a problem for the Cavs and leave them exposed.<\/p>\n

It could be that that is what Hezonja could bring to the table, though he will have to adjust his playing style by the time training camp starts.<\/p>\n

No real outside threat along that could mould into chemistry <\/p>\n

Last season DeRozan only mustered 32% from three-point territory, and as a player that operates mainly inside the arc, that presents Cleveland with a lack of three-point threat, especially should Max Strus depart in any sign-and-trade deal.<\/p>\n

There are legitimate questions about how seamlessly his ball-dominant style would mesh with Cleveland’s second unit, especially with rookie Meleek Thomas, who proved to be a scoring phenom at the recent NBA Summer League, and he will look to have the ball in his hands.<\/p>\n

Of course, he will look to support the rookie as well, along with being another option for its main offensive weapon, Donovan Mitchell, but while a decent fit on paper, you have to question whether DeRozan will gel with the team.<\/p>\n

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