NBA Trade: 3 teams that could trade for DeMar DeRozan

DeMar DeRozan was selected ninth overall by the Toronto Raptors in the 2009 draft, and the California native went on to spend almost a decade with the franchise. DeRozan formed a notable backcourt pairing with Kyle Lowry, and the Raptors were serious contenders in the Eastern Conference between 2014 and 2018.

However, DeRozan was sent to the San Antonio Spurs as part of the trade for Kawhi Leonard last summer.

During his first season playing under Gregg Popovich, DeRozan averaged 21.2 points, 6.2 assists, and 6.0 rebounds per game, and was among his team's best performers. Nevertheless, the Spurs have been hesitant to present the 30-year-old with a new deal, and San Antonio possesses plenty of emerging talent in their backcourt.

This leaves DeRozan's future in doubt, and here we will look at 3 teams that could complete a trade for the former Toronto man.

#3 Dallas Mavericks

DeMar DeRozan could form part of a big three alongside Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis

The Dallas Mavericks were hopeful of making a big move during free agency, although the franchise had to settle for lesser targets after failing to land a star. However, Mark Cuban could still look to the trade market in the coming months, and DeRozan is among his most realistic targets.

The Mavs could land DeRozan by sending the remaining two years of Tim Hardaway Jr.'s deal to San Antonio, and the Spurs should be interested in Hardaway Jr. after the 27-year-old enjoyed the best season of his career to date last year.

The addition of DeRozan won't make the Mavericks instant contenders, although the trio of Luka Donic, Kristaps Porzingis and DeRozan should be enough to secure a playoff spot in a crowded Western Conference.

#2 Detroit Pistons

The Detroit Pistons need to maximize Blake Griffin's remaining prime years

The Detroit Pistons took an enormous risk by trading for Blake Griffin in January 2018, although the decision to bring him in has paid off. During the 18-19 season, Griffin averaged a career-high in points (24.5), while also averaging 7.5 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game. The former Clippers man also earned a first All-Star appearance since 2015 and appears set to enjoy another excellent season.

However, at 30, the six-time All-Star's prime is quickly fading, and his partnership with Andre Drummond has appeared uneasy at times. Drummond has also revealed his desire to hit free agency next summer, and there are no guarantees he will stick it out in Detroit.

A swap for DeRozan could be beneficial to both the Pistons and San Antonio - who have been on the search for a starting center.

#1 Miami Heat

The Heat want a second-star to field alongside Jimmy Butler

Despite missing out on the playoffs for the second time in three years, the Miami Heat managed to complete an unlikely sign-and-trade for Jimmy Butler. Butler's decision to head to South Beach caused somewhat of a stir, although the four-time All-Star is believed to have been convinced to join the struggling franchise after being assured that a second-star would follow.

While another big name has yet to arrive, the Heat's ambition was on show as the organization attempted to complete a deal for Russell Westbrook earlier this summer. Miami has yet to hit the panic button in its search, and the team remains keen on signing Bradley Beal. However, that deal appears unlikely, and DeRozan is a viable alternative.

The Heat may have to include their emerging young duo of Justise Winslow and Bam Adebayo, although Butler is already 30, and the Heat need someone who can make an impact now rather than in three years.