The Sacramento Kings have officially cut ties with DeMar DeRozan, waiving the six-time All-Star and allowing him to enter unrestricted free agency. The veteran forward is now expected to attract interest from multiple championship contenders.
Amid the speculation about his NBA future, here are three potential landing spots for DeRozan as he enters his 18th NBA season.
3 Free-Agency Destinations for DeMar DeRozan
Miami Heat
Between two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, three-time All-Star Bam Adebayo, NBA champion Andrew Wiggins, and All-Defensive-caliber guard Davion Mitchell, the Miami Heat largely have their core intact. However, the roster still lacks a certain level of ball-handling and shot creation on the perimeter.
DeRozan, who averaged 18.4 points per game while shooting nearly 50% from the field last season, is a proven bucket-getter, particularly in the mid-range and painted area, making him a perfect fit alongside Miami’s core four.
Ultimately, a move to Miami would give the Heat one of the league’s most well-rounded starting lineups while providing DeRozan with an opportunity to compete for a championship in one of the NBA’s most popular cities.
New York Knicks
After completing arguably the single most dominant postseason run in NBA history, the reigning champion New York Knicks have remained extremely quiet this offseason. They allowed centers Mitchell Robinson and Ariel Hukporti to walk in free agency and have yet to re-sign guard Jordan Clarkson.
That being said, the Knicks still have two roster spots to fill on minimum deals. DeRozan, who is still set to earn money from the Kings next season, may not choose to make a financially driven decision.
With Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges still on the roster, DeRozan would likely be the first man off the bench for this star-studded New York squad. Contending for an NBA championship while still playing meaningful minutes could be the ideal situation for the 36-year-old forward heading into the 2026-27 season.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers made several key additions early in free agency, acquiring Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade with the Utah Jazz and signing Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, and Collin Sexton. Unfortunately, Los Angeles also lost several key veterans, including LeBron James, Luke Kennard, Rui Hachimura, and Marcus Smart.
While Mamukelashvili should provide value in the frontcourt, they still lack a true go-to scoring option at the forward position. Luka Dončić, a six-time All-NBA First Team selection and one of the game’s elite scorers, along with Austin Reaves, who averaged 23.3 points per game last season, will do their best to carry the offensive load, but the burden may be too large with the current roster.
Despite being in the latter stages of his career, DeRozan could bring the consistency and playoff experience Los Angeles desperately needs. It’s difficult to imagine the Lakers seriously contending in a loaded Western Conference in 2026, but adding a proven scorer like DeRozan would make them that much more competitive.
It’s worth noting that DeRozan is from Compton and was a diehard Lakers fan growing up, idolizing Kobe Bryant. DeRozan has said that he was on the verge of signing with his hometown team back in 2021 (and was even willing to take a pay cut), but then the Lakers pivoted at the last minute and traded for Russell Westbrook.
why would lakers do that lol