New DeMar DeRozan Rumors on Warriors, Lakers Interest After Kings Exit in NBA Free Agency

If the Golden State Warriors don't end up with LeBron James, they reportedly might target another veteran wing as a backup option.

"The Warriors, I've already been told, he's a guy they will look into at some point in the coming days, especially if they do not get LeBron James," ESPN's Anthony Slater reported Monday during an appearance on SportsCenter (15-second mark) while discussing DeMar DeRozan.

Golden State has been one of the presumed suitors connected to James ever since the future Hall of Famer informed the Los Angeles Lakers he will not return. (And speaking of the Lakers, ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported they "are not considered to be a potential landing spot" for DeRozan.)

ESPN's Shams Charania previously reported the Warriors are one of the teams alongside the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat that "stand out" as a potential LeBron destination, though Slater noted the Warriors "don't necessarily believe that they're at the top of that short list."

That means they may need to pivot if and when James moves elsewhere, and they could do much worse than DeRozan.

The veteran is available after the Sacramento Kings waived him on Monday, which frees him up to find a new home.

While the six-time All-Star and three-time All-NBA selection will be 37 years old next season and is no longer at the peak of his career, he was still solid last season while averaging 18.4 points, 4.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds per game for the Kings.

DeRozan Passes Dominique in Scoring

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Joining with the Warriors could lead to even better production given the gravitational pull of Stephen Curry. With opposing defenses having to venture out so far from the basket to account for No. 30, it opens up cutting lanes for the rest of his teammates.

DeRozan has made a career exploiting space in the mid-range with his jumpers and drives, so the fit makes sense on paper.

Yet he will likely have to wait until James makes a decision if he plans on joining the Warriors.