Pros and Cons of Cavaliers Pursuing Demar DeRozan in Free Agency

The Cleveland Cavaliers are thinking about pursuing veteran free agent DeMar DeRozan as a potential starting wing player ahead of next month’s training camp.

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 – and DeRozan fits the bill.

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.

DeRozan still has the scoring touch

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

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.

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.

DeRozan is low risk, which is music to the Cavs’ ears

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.

Having been waived by the Kings, it’s 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.

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 – and that’s where the cons come into play.

DeRozan doesn’t solve all of the Cavs’ lingering issues

While DeRozan provides a scoring punch, he doesn’t solve Cleveland’s problems when it comes to size, length or defense on the wing, the latter of which Dean Wade did provide last season before his move to the Philadelphia 76ers.

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.

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.

No real outside threat along that could mould into chemistry

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.

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.

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.

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