That sweep did nothing but hurt the value of DeRozan in the trade market. His scoring efficiency and PER 36 averages all dropped below regular season averages for the 4th straight postseason. To put things in perspective, Marcus Smart has a nearly identical career TS% in the playoffs.
If you are a GM where would DeMar fit into your plans? Bringing him in as #1 scoring option wont work if you want to win playoff games. His inability to move without the ball also makes him a non-factor as a complementary piece. On top of that he is a mediocre team defender. Doesn't that description sound just like Carmelo Anthony?
What might get lost in all of this is the fact that Kyle Lowry had a great postseason. There should be multiple playoff suitors on the trade market. Minnesota seems like an ideal fit.
Don't disagree about Lowry but you can't go 2-7 in an elimination game is youre a "star" or "superstar."
1. The shooting percentage is low enough. But 2. You need to take more than 7 shots especially when you co-pilot has been ejected.
Derozan is good but like you mention he can't be a teams number one option. Where does he fit in todays NBA if hes a shooting guard that can't shoot 3 pointers? He was 0-13 in his last 5 post season games. Sure he is a legit scorer, but who is going to make a trade for him when he can't stretch the floor as a 2-guard?
DeRozan would actually be an interesting playing next to James. If James opted in (or re-signed) maybe something like Clarkson, Smith, BKN for DeRozan. Cleveland would be pretty interesting going forward with Hill, Korver, DeRozan, James, Love with a bench of Hood, Thompson, Nance, Osman, and whichever vets they added. In that role DeRozan is a 2nd or 3rd offensive option and the Cavs can get away with his lesser shooting with Hill, Korver, and Love being the other starters.
As a Celtic, I'd love to see that Cleveland lineup for years and years. To see that they used the BKN pick (Kyrie) for dumping bad salaries and a non-spacer next to LeBron - exquisite.
Yeah that's my problem with this trade for Cleveland. Gives the Cavs an enormous scoring punch with James, Derozan, and Love... But Derozan's inability to space the floor hurts James as they'd clog the lane.
A more logical trade to me:
Cavs trade Clarkson, Smith, Brook pick to Toronto
Derozan to Portland
CJ and Zach Collins to Cleveland.
Leaves Cavs with Hill/CJ/Korver/James/Love with Thompson, Nance, Osman, resigned Hood off the bench. Gives James a lethal floor spreading option who loves the jump shot in CJ.