The Atlanta Hawks have been rumored to be the new player to join other teams in pursuing Toronto Raptors star DeMar DeRozan in free agency.
Following the Raptors' shortcomings in the playoffs, they now shift their focus to free agency, where Toronto will attempt to retain DeRozan, one of the top names in this year's free agent class.
With DeRozan expecting to opt-out of his contract with Toronto and receive plenty of lucrative deals from other NBA teams, the Raptors face stiff competition to sign back their All-Star guard. However, Toronto could expect a more difficult task of re-signing DeRozan, with the Hawks possibly emerging as another potential destination for the 26-year-old, according to Bleacher Report's Howard Beck as reported by Fansided's Josh Hill.
"Beck's pick of the Atlanta Hawks synching up with DeRozan was based less on fit and more on the fact that they're the team closest to winning now that would probably covet DeRozan's skills," Hill noted.
Unlike the Los Angeles Lakers, who have been steadily linked to DeRozan, the Hawks offer the Raptors star a more established winning culture, with Atlanta consistently appearing in the playoffs for nine-straight seasons.
DeRozan would elevate the Hawks into another level, but only if Atlanta could retain AL Horford, who is also set to become a free agent this summer and is well expected to receive max contracts from other clubs. However, the Hawks' projected max cap space of $35.1 million simply cannot afford both Horford and DeRozan at max deals even by dealing away Atlanta's tradable assets.
The Raptors, on the other hand, will have the cap space to secure DeRozan to a max deal, but the team's projected $32.3 million may not be enough to secure Bismack Biyombo, who has reportedly declined his player option with the Raptors.
"While the Raptors have reached the Eastern Conference Finals and seemingly showing some promising signs they could consistently contend at that level for the coming years, DeRozan's free agency has put those hopes in limbo," Eric Pincus of Basketball Insiders wrote.
It could be far-fetched to see DeRozan playing for the Hawks next season, with the Raptors star seem to value winning and legacy in Toronto more than money in free agency. Moreover, the Raptors have shown some promising signs to consistently contend at a high level for the coming years, which could be enough for DeRozan to remain in the North.