DeMar DeRozan Could Be on the Move as Kings Consider Offseason Shake-Up
Six-time NBA All-Star DeMar DeRozan might be on his way out of Sacramento as the Kings consider a significant roster shake-up this offseason. Veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein shared on Substack that the Sacramento Kings are likely to explore trade options for the veteran forward, signaling a potential end to DeRozan’s short tenure with the team.
The report comes in the wake of Sacramento’s disappointing season, which ended with a loss in the play-in tournament. This outcome, paired with the recent hiring of Scott Perry as the team’s new general manager, has fueled speculation that the organization is preparing for a roster overhaul. With Perry now at the helm, many expect the Kings to initiate changes that could reshape the team’s future, and DeRozan’s name has quickly surfaced as a trade candidate.
DeRozan, who turns 36 in August, still has two years remaining on his contract. He is set to earn $24.8 million in the 2025-26 season and $25.8 million in 2026-27, along with $1 million annually in performance-based incentives. While still a productive scorer and playmaker, his advancing age and hefty contract could make him a bit challenging to move. Nonetheless, his experience and consistent offensive contributions could still appeal to playoff contenders looking for a veteran presence.
The Kings’ direction toward a possible rebuild became apparent when they traded away longtime franchise point guard De’Aaron Fox before the February trade deadline. That bold move signaled a shift in priorities for the team, one that could make DeRozan expendable. In return for Fox, the Kings acquired guard Zach LaVine, who at 29 years old is six years younger than DeRozan and brings a more modern offensive skill set, including a reliable three-point shot. LaVine’s versatility on offense, combined with his age, makes him a more appealing long-term piece for a franchise potentially entering a new phase.
Additionally, the financial situation in Sacramento is becoming increasingly tight. With LaVine and All-Star center Domantas Sabonis on the books for a combined total exceeding $90 million per season, the Kings will likely need to manage the rest of the roster carefully. Trading DeRozan would not only open up cap space but also allow the team to gather future assets or young talent better aligned with a rebuild.
Off the court, DeRozan recently made headlines due to a physical altercation at a restaurant, further intensifying media attention around him. While the incident did not result in serious consequences, it adds another layer of intrigue to his status this offseason.
If the Kings do indeed trade DeRozan, his departure would mark yet another major move in what could become one of the more dramatic offseasons in recent memory. With other big names like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant potentially also on the trade market, DeRozan’s situation adds to a summer full of uncertainty and excitement.
For now, it remains to be seen where DeRozan might land. While he has not publicly named a preferred destination, the speculation around his future suggests a trade is a real possibility. Whether he ends up on a championship contender or a team looking for veteran leadership, DeRozan’s presence is sure to influence whichever roster he joins next. His time in Sacramento may have been short-lived, but the next chapter in his NBA career could be just around the corner.
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