Former NBA veteran Chandler Parsons detailed why Sacramento and DeRozan are better off avoiding making a deal with the Clippers.
DeMar DeRozan is on trade watch across the NBA. Despite improving his point production since Nov. 20 -- when he scored only seven points for the Sacramento Kings.
DeRozan went from settling for seven to dropping 23 on the same Memphis Grizzlies team back on Sunday. The 35-year-old is still proving he can score at will -- which draws some intrigue in the trade market.
DeRozan's name got linked to the Los Angeles Clippers one week ago -- with rumors of the Compton native becoming interested in an L.A. homecoming. But Chandler Parsons believes DeRozan and the Kings should pump the brakes on any trade idea between the franchises.
The former NBA forward appeared on the "Run it Back" podcast with Michelle Beadle, Lou Williams and DeMarcus Cousins to dive into a possible DeRozan trade. Parsons outlined why it's best for DeRozan and the Kings to stay away from making a deal with the rival Clippers.
"I love DeMar DeRozan. He can score the basketball. But is adding another aging, scoring star that needs the ball in his hands the solution for this team? I don't think so," Parsons began.
This doesn't mean that Parsons believes the Kings should aggressively keep DeRozan. He believes Scott Perry should entertain trade ideas as general manager.
"I think there's other teams DeMar would be extremely beneficial for. I think he can move the needle for a contending championship team -- and that's not the Clippers," Parsons said. "When I look at the fit of this team, their problem is their age. You can't add a DeMar DeRozan and think things can magically change."
Parsons hopes the perennial All-Star can find a new league home, saying "he's got a lot left to give before he hangs it up." He also would love to see Sacramento move him. But again, Parsons is ruling out the Clippers.
Teams seeking an additional scorer can certainly look into DeRozan. Especially those attempting to get over the championship hump. Sacramento would still want something valuable in return if it orchestrates a DeRozan trade.
He's currently averaging 18.4 points per game this season with three rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. DeRozan is shooting 49.6% from field goal range.
Parsons played 2011 to 2020 in the NBA. He arrived via Florida and landed in the second round to the Houston Rockets. But he ended up playing in France during the league's 2011 lockout before eventually returning to the Rockets. He last played for the Atlanta Hawks in the 2020 season.