DeMar DeRozan is almost sure to decline his option and hit free agency in the summer, and, according to ESPN.com, the Lakers are prepared to offer the Compton native a max contract starting at $25 million per season.
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In fact, there are several teams equally interested in DeRozan, who is averaging 22.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists as “co-point guard” with Kyle Lowry.
That’s where this postseason comes into play. If Toronto (24-15) loses early in the playoffs, it faces a decision about whether this coach and this core is good enough to compete with the Eastern Conference elite.
Remember, coach Dwayne Casey entered the season on a very hot seat after last postseason’s sweep at the hands of the Wizards, and if the Raptors decide that, yes, this team as constructed — and it is improved this season — can compete with the Cavaliers, then they’ll have to spend big to keep DeRozan, 26.
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DeRozan on a max deal would send the Raptors’ payroll rocketing past next season’s salary cap and put some $105 million on the books for 2017-2018, when the league and players’ union project the cap will be around $108 million, according to ESPN.com.
That could hinder the Raptors’ roster flexibility in the coming years.
