As Sacramento prioritizes youth, the six-time All-Star is seeking a swift exit. With a team-friendly contract and elite efficiency, DeRozan targets a contender or a fresh start.
After acquiring Darius Acuff Jr. in the draft, the Sacramento Kings now have a good mix of young talent and veteran presence heading into the 2026-2027 season.
However, decisions still need to be made about the Kings' three biggest contracts: Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis, and DeMar DeRozan.
For LaVine, who recently opted into his $49 million player option, and Sabonis, who is likely to remain on the team barring a sign-and-trade, they are likely staying put.
This leaves DeRozan as the most likely piece to be moved.
After recent reports about Sacramento potentially waving DeRozan if a deal doesn't get done, Yahoo Sports National NBA reporter Kelly Iko reported that DeRozan is trying to expedite the process.
"Kings wing DeMar DeRozan, who is owed $25 million for the upcoming season — with only $10 million guaranteed — is hoping to accelerate his exit, either by being waived and testing the open market or being traded sooner rather than later," Iko wrote on Thursday.
DeRozan, who now sits at No. 16 on the NBA's All-Time Scoring list, averaged 18.4 points per game this season, shooting a stellar 49.7 percent from the field.
With another similar statistical season, DeRozan will close in on Shaquille O'Neal for a place in the top 10.
However, with the additions of Alex Karaban and Emanuel Sharp on the wing, and De'Andre Hunter and Keegan Murray returning from injury, the Kings seem to be prioritizing youth and development over the six-time All-Star.
But, DeRozan certainly still has value on the open market, and could provide a team needing a scoring boost with instant offense.
The 2025 season marked the fifth time in DeRozan's career shooting 49 percent or better, a highly efficient mark for a jump-shooting wing.
DeRozan's availability has also stayed steady, playing in 74 or more games for the past five seasons.
With the amount of money being shelled out during the free agency period, DeRozan's contract is relatively affordable for a player of his caliber, and with just one year remaining on his deal, a team would have flexibility regarding his long-term future.
Roundtable's Demetrius Montero noted the Los Angeles Clippers as a potential suitor for DeRozan, especially now that Kawhi Leonard is back in Toronto.
The Clippers are moving into a rebuilding era, but after trading Leonard, are left with holes at the forward position.
DeRozan would fit nicely alongside rookie guard Keaton Wagler, who likes to play in the mid-range, similar to the Kings' in-between assassin.
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