New DeMar DeRozan Rumors Reveal Landing Spot Emerging After Russell Westbrook's NBA Retirement

The Washington Wizards missed out on Russell Westbrook after he decided to retire this offseason, but that doesn't mean the team's hunt for another veteran contributor has waned.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Wizards "shifted their intent to sign another veteran this offseason by showing some interest in DeMar DeRozan, pursuing the former All-Star swingman along with teams such as Miami and Denver."

DeRozan, 37, appeared in 77 games for the Sacramento Kings last season, averaging 18.4 points and 4.1 assists per contest while shooting 49.7 percent from the field and 32 percent from three.

While he's no longer the player who was a six-time All-Star and three-time All-NBA selection in his prime, DeRozan remains a bucket from the midrange and would provide any team a solid offensive option off the bench.

The Wizards already have Khris Middleton in such a role, though he's been less ineffective as he ages compared to DeRozan. But Washington also needs to find minutes for younger players like Bilal Coulibaly, Bub Carrington and Tre Johnson, making them an imperfect fit for DeRozan.

Miami makes more sense. The Heat have pretty mediocre backcourt options and not much depth behind Andrew Wiggins on the wing following their summer acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo. DeRozan would immediately find himself with a large role in Miami.

As for Denver, the team's offseason has been fairly quiet, with the restricted free agencies of Spencer Jones (re-signed) and Peyton Watson (un-signed) gumming up the works. If DeRozan was willing to take a minimum deal and come off the bench, his scoring would certainly provide more depth for Denver.