Photo: Sacramento Kings/YouTube

DeMar DeRozan’s free agency timeline appears tied to the biggest name still available on the market. According to Evan Sidery, the six-time All-Star is expected to make his decision shortly after LeBron James chooses his next team, with franchises that miss out on James likely to pivot to DeRozan as their backup plan.

The report shows how closely the remaining veteran free-agent market is connected. James remains the headline target for multiple contenders, while DeRozan has emerged as arguably the top alternative for teams seeking an experienced wing scorer without landing the four-time NBA champion.

DeRozan became a free agent after agreeing to a contract buyout with the Sacramento Kings. Despite playing for a team that finished 22-60 and missed the postseason, the 36-year-old remained productive throughout the 2025-26 campaign, averaging 18.4 points, 4.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds in 77 games. He also shot 49.7% from the field and 86.8% from the free-throw line, continuing to rank among the NBA’s most efficient mid-range scorers.

Marc Stein recently reported that the Detroit Pistons are evaluating whether to pursue DeRozan. Detroit is coming off a breakthrough 60-22 season, the best record in the Eastern Conference, before losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games during the conference semifinals.

The Pistons have largely focused their offseason on surrounding First Team All-NBA guard Cade Cunningham with complementary talent rather than another high-usage star. Cunningham averaged 23.9 points, 9.9 assists and 5.5 rebounds while finishing fifth in MVP voting, and All-Star center Jalen Duren added 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds while shooting 65.0% from the field.

Detroit also reshaped its supporting cast by acquiring John Collins in a sign-and-trade, adding Isaiah Joe to improve perimeter shooting and trading for veterans Taurean Prince and Gary Harris. The franchise drafted Karim López with the 21st overall pick and is also working toward a long-term extension with restricted free agent Duren, factors that could influence how much financial flexibility remains for another veteran addition.

The Miami Heat have also been linked to DeRozan following their blockbuster acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Miami continues to search for another proven perimeter scorer and has also been connected to Bradley Beal, Klay Thompson and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope as it reshapes its roster around Giannis and Bam Adebayo.

Sidery’s report suggests that DeRozan’s market may not fully develop until James announces his destination. Teams pursuing James are unlikely to commit significant salary or roster space elsewhere until they know whether they remain in contention for the future Hall of Famer.

That could create a domino effect across free agency. Once James makes his decision, organizations that fall short could quickly redirect their attention to DeRozan, whose durability and offensive consistency continue to make him one of the most attractive veteran options available.