Sacramento clears $25 million in cap space by waiving the six-time All-Star, prioritizing youth while the efficient mid-range specialist seeks a new home with a title contender.
Entering the offseason, it became more apparent that the Sacramento Kings would be moving one of their lucrative veteran contracts.
With DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Domantas Sabonis set to make over $115 million combined this upcoming season, Sacramento needed to get cheaper and younger.
However, LaVine's player option and Sabonis' missed time have made it difficult to move either of the two players, leaving DeRozan as the likely option.
After numerous reports indicated the Kings were working with the six-time All-Star to find a trade partner, the DeRozan era in Sacramento ended Monday when he was waived.
The move opens up $25 million in cap space, while giving young wings like Nique Clifford, Emanuel Sharp, and Alex Karaban avenues to early playing time.
DeRozan will now hit the open market as a potential third scorer for a contending team.
While the former Toronto Raptors standout is no longer as effective as he was in his prime, DeRozan can still score at a high rate and provide valuable experience.
Last season, DeRozan climbed the NBA's All-Time Scoring List, passing multiple legends on his way to No. 16.
With another similar statistical season, DeRozan will close in on Shaquille O'Neal for a place in the top 10.
The 6-foot-6 mid-range assassin averaged 18.4 points per game this season, shooting a stellar 49.7 percent from the field.
This showing 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.
For a team like the Los Angeles Lakers, Detroit Pistons, or Denver Nuggets, DeRozan would provide a huge boost offensively, giving those rosters another shot creator.
The Lakers, who play less than 25 miles from DeRozan's hometown of Compton, CA, are in big need of depth at the forward position, especially after losing Rui Hachimura in free agency.
The Pistons, on the other hand, are still searching for a complimentary offensive scorer to play next to Cade Cunningham.
They too lost wing depth this offseason, as Tobias Harris signed with the San Antonio Spurs.
While critics may point to DeRozan's negative advanced metrics or lack of postseason success, his place in scoring history is becoming difficult to ignore.
And despite turning 37 this August, DeRozan's game is not predicated on athletic ability, and he has shown consistency and availability regardless of his age.
Join the Community
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join, simply by clicking the yellow button at the top of the homepage. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
