With blockbuster trades and lucrative free agent signings, accomplished veterans look at the landscape. When teams send picks in exchange for quality starters, players on perennially bad teams want out.
DeMar DeRozan, heading into his 18th NBA season, sees this trend. For the last two seasons, the six-time All-Star toils with the Sacramento Kings, a team that has made the playoffs just once since the 2006-07 season.
Sacramento Kings Forward DeMar DeRozan Hopes to Leave Franchise
As DeRozan continues his path towards a probable Hall of Fame induction, finding a new home could be the coda to a successful career.
In the last two seasons, 40 wins was the closest that DeRozan came to a .500 record. Not to mention, despite playing well into his 30s, the veteran’s production hasn’t suffered. In 154 games (all starts), he’s averaged 20.3 points per game on 48.6% shooting. According to Yahoo Sports NBA writer Kelly Iko, DeRozan would like to leave the Kings.
DeMar DeRozan wants out of Sacramento, per @KellyIko
“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… pic.twitter.com/e1X1clfpKD
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 2, 2026
“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, sources say,” as per Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports.
With only $10 million in guaranteed money, the Kings could ship DeRozan to a team landing a combination of draft capital and players. Teams like the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, and Los Angeles Clippers could factor in, all for different reasons.
The Nuggets could use another scorer, preferably one who balances their approach. Nikola Jokic can dominate in the post but will step back to launch threes.
DeRozan, by the way, with a 30.2% career three-point percentage, is a mid-range/paint scorer who forces the defense to collapse in, freeing up space for players like Jamal Murray. Meanwhile, the Hawks need a veteran presence, a professional player whose work habits and approach could alter the franchise.
On paper, Atlanta possesses the talent to thrive. Remember, they were the only team in the playoffs to defeat the eventual champion, the New York Knicks, twice.
On the other hand, the Clippers could provide something to DeRozan that only one team could. Being a Los Angeles native, the Clippers could afford the 36-year-old a chance to play basically at home.
Furthermore, with Kawhi Leonard’s trade, DeRozan could become a focal point of the franchise. Los Angeles acquired forward Brandon Ingram, guard Grady Dick, and a cache of draft picks.
DeRozan doesn’t want to be in Sacramento, Iko estimates. The Kings do not initially look like they will contend with their current roster. Under those circumstances, where will he end up?
