DeRozan also has to wait for LeBron! Multiple teams will only pursue him after failing to sign James, including the Pistons and Raptors.

On July 18th Beijing time, according to league sources cited by well-known reporter Stein, the Detroit Pistons are assessing the possibility of pursuing forward DeRozan in the free agent market. Stein added that the situation among teams interested in DeRozan will only become more defined after James finalizes his destination. With several teams competing for James, any that fail to secure him will turn their attention to DeRozan.

Stein cautioned that as of now, the Pistons have not fully committed to signing DeRozan. The team first needs to handle the restricted free agent extension of Duren to determine how much salary cap flexibility they have remaining under the luxury tax line and the first apron. Additionally, the Pistons currently have a very tight roster: even without extending Duren, they already have 15 players on standard contracts, which is the maximum.

Although the Pistons acquired Isaiah Joe and Prince via trade this offseason and signed free agent John Collins, the team still urgently needs additional scoring options and players who can create offense off the dribble to relieve pressure on core point guard Cunningham. Among the remaining free agents, DeRozan—who ranks 16th on the NBA's all-time scoring list—is one of the best fits for this role.

Stein also revealed that the Toronto Raptors are a team that will definitely make an offer to pursue DeRozan. However, local Toronto reporters have repeatedly stated that the likelihood of the 17-year veteran returning to his former team is very low.

Raptors reporter Grange has repeatedly expressed that it will be difficult for Toronto to reach an agreement with DeRozan. Another Raptors reporter, Doug Smith, also mentioned earlier this week that there are numerous obstacles to a reunion, including the team's salary cap situation, roster limitations, and the limited role they could offer DeRozan.

However, Smith also cited sources indicating that if terms can be worked out, DeRozan himself would be willing to return to Toronto, and the two sides have already been in communication. The reporter added that the former USC star has also been linked to the Lakers, Heat, Warriors, and Trail Blazers, though it remains unclear whether these teams are genuinely interested in signing the 36-year-old veteran or if the speculation is simply based on a logical fit.