Warriors can already forget DeMar DeRozan after latest asking price

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 due to the asking price from DeRozan and his camp, who reportedly 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 team theoretically could still target DeRozan given they have 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 to have a strong position if he were to accept a minimum contract. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Nuggets are believed to make an appealing pitch to DeRozan, who they have been focusing on after trading Peyton Watson to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Golden State can therefore forget about DeRozan as an option despite earlier rumors suggesting he might be a fallback plan for LeBron James, who has since committed to the Philadelphia 76ers. The Warriors haven’t been linked to DeRozan since early August, even though he remains unsigned. The Heat have also shown interest in DeRozan, but their focus is on Golden State legend Klay Thompson if he reaches a buyout with the Dallas Mavericks. DeRozan’s ongoing free agency wait is notable given his continued offensive production, averaging 18.4 points and 4.1 assists last season with the Kings while shooting 49.7% from the floor. While there is an argument for the Warriors to pursue DeRozan due to his offensive value and the team’s lack of reliable scorers with Jimmy Butler sidelined by injury, Golden State’s summer moves suggest they are prioritizing internal improvements. The Warriors will hope for more availability and efficiency from Kristaps Porzingis, growth from Brandin Podziemski and Gui Santos, and a boost from exciting rookie Yaxel Lendeborg. Golden State has been linked to several players to round out their roster, but DeRozan is unlikely to join them in the Bay Area alongside Stephen Curry.