DeMar DeRozan’s high-profile signing with the Sacramento Kings has ended in disappointment, as the franchise crashed out of the play-in tournament Wednesday night with a 120-106 loss to the Dallas Mavericks.
The six-time NBA All-Star posted solid individual numbers during the 2024-25 season, averaging 22.2 points per game, but his arrival failed to elevate a team desperate to end its playoff drought. Now, with the Kings facing another offseason of uncertainty, trade rumors are already swirling around the 35-year-old veteran’s future in Sacramento.
Breaking Down DeRozan’s Contract With the Kings
DeRozan joined the Kings last summer through a sign-and-trade deal after spending three seasons with the Chicago Bulls. He signed a 3-year, $74 million contract with Sacramento in July 2024, with $59 million guaranteed over the first two years.
Sources: DeMar DeRozan’s new deal:
– 3-year, $74M.
– First two years of $59M fully guaranteed.
– Third year partially guaranteed.
Deal was negotiated by Aaron Goodwin. https://t.co/UD4OpNAp5k
– Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 7, 2024
The former ninth overall pick earned a $23.4 million salary in his first year with the Kings and will receive $24.75 million next season if he remains with the franchise. His 2026-27 salary includes only $10 million guaranteed, though that figure increases to $12 million if he makes the All-Star team in 2025 or 2026, and to $14 million if he achieves both All-Star selections.
The salary becomes fully guaranteed if the Kings reach the NBA Finals in either 2025 or 2026 and DeRozan plays at least 60 regular-season games.
The acquisition came through a three-team deal involving the San Antonio Spurs. Chicago received Chris Duarte and two second-round picks, while San Antonio landed Harrison Barnes. Sacramento envisioned DeRozan forming a new “Big 3” alongside De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, creating a core that could finally break through in the competitive Western Conference.
A Season of Upheaval
The Kings’ plans quickly unraveled as the season progressed. Head coach Mike Brown was fired on December 27, 2024, after a disappointing 13-18 start despite signing a contract extension just months earlier. The instability continued when Sacramento shocked the NBA world by trading Fox to the Spurs in February, acquiring former Bulls wing Zach LaVine in return.
The reunion between DeRozan and LaVine, who had played together in Chicago, failed to spark the turnaround Sacramento desperately needed. Despite DeRozan’s consistency throughout the season, posting 22.2 points on 47.7% shooting, along with 3.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists across 77 games, the Kings stumbled to the finish line.
General manager Monte McNair’s departure immediately following the play-in loss added another layer to the franchise’s dysfunction. The mutual parting on April 17, 2025, marked the end of a tumultuous season that saw the Kings cycle through coaches, trade away their franchise player, and ultimately fall short of their playoff aspirations once again.
DeRozan’s Value Beyond the Court
According to Celebrity Net Worth, DeRozan has accumulated an estimated net worth of $80 million throughout his illustrious career. His NBA earnings alone have exceeded $281 million over 16 seasons, establishing him as one of the league’s highest-paid players of his generation.
Beyond his basketball contracts, DeRozan has built a substantial endorsement portfolio. In 2022, he became the face of Nike’s Kobe Bryant signature shoe line, carrying on the legacy of the late Lakers legend. His partnerships with Gatorade, Spalding, and Klipsch Audio have further enhanced his marketability and earning potential.
As trade rumors intensify following Sacramento’s latest disappointment, DeRozan’s proven durability and leadership qualities make him an attractive asset for contending teams. His ability to contribute at a high level while serving as a veteran mentor could appeal to franchises seeking experienced talent for a playoff push.
The Kings now face critical decisions about their roster construction and future direction. Whether DeRozan remains part of those plans or becomes a trade piece in another rebuild remains uncertain. What is clear is that Sacramento’s ambitious gamble to compete immediately has fallen short, leaving the franchise searching for answers as it approaches yet another pivotal offseason.
