NBA Rumors: Wizards, DeMar DeRozan, Pelicans, Bennedict Mathurin, Lakers

Wizards

The Wizards have emerged as another team with interest in free agent DeMar DeRozan, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

The Wizards have already accelerated their rebuild by adding Trae Young and Anthony Davis while drafting AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 overall pick.

Miami, Cleveland and Denver have also been linked to DeRozan, who became a free agent after being waived by the Kings earlier this month.

The 36-year-old averaged 18.4 points, 4.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds in 77 games last season.

Pelicans

The Pelicans have shown interest in Clippers restricted free agent Bennedict Mathurin, according to Charania. A second, unidentified team has also entered the mix.

Because New Orleans is over the salary cap, any realistic path to landing Mathurin would likely require a sign-and-trade. The Pelicans could also explore additional moves to create more financial flexibility.

Mathurin averaged 16.2 points and 4.7 rebounds over his first four NBA seasons before reaching restricted free agency.

Lakers

Walker Kessler wasn’t the Lakers’ only center target.

According to Dan Woike of The Athletic, Los Angeles was prepared to pursue Mitchell Robinson had its trade for Kessler fallen through.

Instead, Robinson signed with the Celtics, while the Lakers landed Kessler on a four-year deal before adding Kevon Looney as his backup.

As one Western Conference scout told The Athletic of the Lakers’ investment in Kessler: “He better be good.”