The star forward has an important date looming along with Sacramento: The NBA Buyout deadline.
The Sacramento Kings are welcoming the idea of keeping Russell Westbrook around. But what about the other beloved veteran voice inside the locker room DeMar DeRozan?
The star small forward, who has led the Kings in scoring multiple nights, is another facing questions about his long-term future with the franchise. Like Westbrook, DeRozan is another facing a pivotal day looming across the NBA.
March 1 is the deadline to for NBA buyout deals. This is the last day players can be officially waived by a team, though can suit up for another franchise especially one making a playoff push. Players must be released from their previous contract on this day.
Sunday additionally presents an opportunity to restructure deals. However, NBA insider for ClutchPoints Brett Siegel revealed that DeRozan and the Kings remain "stuck" in their process.
"DeMar DeRozan remains stuck in basketball purgatory this season with the Sacramento Kings. Unfortunately for DeRozan, this has been another failed season for the Kings, an organization that has once again seen a fall from grace after a glimmer of playoff hope," Siegel wrote.
DeRozan has become lauded for his leadership, despite the piles of losses in Sacramento.
"The six-time All-Star has been nothing short of a true professional in Sacramento," Siegel said. "Every player ahead of DeRozan either is currently or will soon be in the Hall of Fame, which only improves his chances of eventually being elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame."
Yet, where do things really stand between DeRozan and the Kings organization on the contract front?
"The Kings have shown no interest in buying out any of their veteran players this season, and they have valued DeRozan's leadership as the organization navigates yet another rebuilding or retooling stage, whatever we want to call it in Sacramento nowadays," Siegel said. "Along with the Kings having no interest in seeing DeRozan leave right now, the 36-year-old has yet to approach them asking for such negotiations."
A lot remains up in the air ahead of Sunday. Siegel adds that a free agent DeRozan "would draw interest from virtually every playoff-contending team with the ability to give him a roster spot."
Sacramento once expressed interest in working a trade deal with DeRozan, Siegel added.
"At the trade deadline, there were some whispers that DeRozan and his camp were exploring ways to get him to one of the two Los Angeles-based teams, sources said. While nothing ever really materialized on that front, it is worth noting that DeRozan is from Compton, California, and he has long wanted to finish his career in Los Angeles."
For now, his place is Sacramento. However, the rise of Daeqwon Plowden and Precious Achiuwa in recent nights could also play a role in DeRozan's future.
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