DeMar DeRozan Rumors: Clippers a Possible Suitor for Bulls Star If Paul George Leaves

Chicago Bulls star DeMar DeRozan might finally get his Southern California homecoming this summer.

HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported the Los Angeles Clippers could look to execute a sign-and-trade for DeRozan, who's due to be a free agent, if Paul George walks.

Scotto also reported, however, that "there's a belief around the league that DeRozan will ultimately re-sign with the Bulls, given the team's continued desire to compete, his role, and Chicago's willingness to pay him."

DeRozan is a native of Compton, California, who attended USC for his lone season of college ball. It looked like he might be returning home during the 2021 offseason, but the Los Angeles Lakers opted instead to acquire Russell Westbrook from the Washington Wizards. He also spoke with Clippers officials that summer, but that was probably never a serious possibility because the team had limited salary cap space.

That the Clippers could pivot to the 34-year-old if they lose George is an indicator of how few options they realistically have in that scenario.

Los Angeles blew through its best trade assets to put the current roster together. It has few draft picks to sell, nor the kind of role players who's on-court value can make up the gap in a blockbuster swap.

Cap space is pretty much nonexistent too. Per Spotrac, the Clippers only have up to $32.8 million to spend, and that would require renouncing the cap hold of James Harden, making it all but impossible to maintain a Big Three of Harden, Kawhi Leonard and another star.

It's fair to wonder how much DeRozan would raise L.A.'s ceiling if he joined the roster largely as currently constructed. He's simply not as good as George, particularly when it comes to defense and spacing the floor.

In effect, the Clippers would be getting a small downgrade while having to send something of value to the Bulls in the process.

And this all assumes DeRozan even leaves Chicago, which is far from a foregone conclusion.

Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer reported George and Los Angeles are at an impasse over his next contract, and having reservations about a max offer is understandable when injuries have been such a persistent problem for them.

The problem for the Clippers is that a future without George might be worse than overpaying him now.