The Golden State Warriors have shown interest in DeMar DeRozan, but a move to the Bay Area appears unlikely unless the veteran forward is willing to accept a major discount.
According to ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel on the Clutch Scoops podcast, the Warriors have been in contact with DeRozan's camp as the second wave of NBA free agency begins to take shape.
"We've mentioned the Golden State Warriors as a team having interest," Siegel said. "They have been in contact with DeRozan's camp, but it would have to be a minimum deal."
That appears to be the major obstacle for Golden State.
After missing out on LeBron James, the Warriors still have open roster spots to fill, but their financial flexibility is limited. Because of that, DeRozan would likely have to take a minimum contract to join Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green.
Siegel does not currently expect that to happen.
"And I just don't see that happening at this time," Siegel said. "That's why the Warriors are looking at other options on minimum deals, and it doesn't seem likely that they would land DeMar DeRozan."
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DeRozan looking for more than minimum deal
DeRozan is one of the biggest names still available on the market, but his asking price could make things difficult for teams without significant spending power.
According to Siegel, DeRozan does not appear interested in taking a minimum contract at this stage.
"It starts with DeMar DeRozan at the very top, a guy that it doesn't seem like he wants to take a minimum contract," Siegel said.
The veteran is reportedly looking for a much larger deal, even if he may not get the full mid-level exception.
"He wants either the full mid-level, which I don't think he's going to get," Siegel said. "So he probably wants to get around that $8 to $10 million range to recuperate some value that he lost from Sacramento waiving him."
That price range would make it difficult for the Warriors to seriously compete unless DeRozan lowers his demands.
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Cavaliers, Heat, Wizards also involved
Golden State is not the only team mentioned in DeRozan's market.
Siegel named the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat as teams involved, while ESPN also reported the Washington Wizards as a potential suitor.
"Some teams that we know that are involved for DeMar DeRozan. Cleveland is certainly involved. Miami is involved for DeMar DeRozan. Washington has been reported by ESPN," Siegel said.
Miami's situation, however, could be connected to another major name.
Siegel explained that the Heat's DeRozan possibility is being held up by the Klay Thompson situation, including whether Thompson could be bought out or traded to Miami in a deal that may involve Nikola Jovic going to the Dallas Mavericks.
"So all these kind of guys are really tied together," Siegel said. "It's not like one happens after the other. It's kind of like a pulley system where, okay, DeRozan makes a decision, and then that is going to influence Kuminga. It's going to influence Klay Thompson. It's going to influence Bradley Beal."