The 2023 collective bargaining agreement between the NBA and its players has quickly become one of the strongest forces against player movement in league history. The second apron has already had significant impacts, such as breaking up the Golden State Warriors and compelling the Los Angeles Clippers to let Paul George walk instead of trading him. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka referred to it as an “apron world” that all 30 teams are now living in.
As a result of the new CBA rules, players like DeMar DeRozan are facing challenges in free agency. Despite his talent and past success, the kind of contract he desires may not be available due to salary cap restrictions. Only a few teams have significant cap space left, making it difficult for players like DeRozan to secure the deals they want.
While it may be tempting to blame the CBA for DeRozan’s situation, it’s important to note that free agency has not been a major driver of player movement in recent years. The market for players has shifted, with teams prioritizing different skills and attributes over pure star power. This shift in values has impacted players like DeRozan, who may not fit the current mold of what teams are looking for.
Ultimately, the changing landscape of the NBA and its priorities are likely contributing to DeRozan’s challenges in free agency. The league now values skills like three-point shooting and defense, which may not align with DeRozan’s strengths. As the NBA evolves, players like DeRozan may need to adapt to the new demands of the game in order to secure the contracts they desire.
He was just traded for five first-round picks. Even though the trade may have hidden complexities, it reveals the NBA’s current priorities. Shot creation at a superstar level remains highly valued, but teams are increasingly prioritizing 3-point shooting and defense, especially outside of their top players. Unfortunately, DeRozan lacks in both areas. His 3-point attempt rate is low, and his defensive stats have been consistently negative. The league’s focus on 3-point shooting and defense has intensified since 2021. The Heat and the Kings have been rumored as potential destinations for DeRozan, but fitting him into their rosters may be challenging. It seems DeRozan may need to be patient in finding the right deal, as teams may be hesitant to invest in his skill set given the league’s evolving preferences. DeRozan could potentially be losing money every day he remains inactive.