With the NBA offseason in full swing, teams across the league are working to improve their championship odds, and the Sacramento Kings find themselves at a crossroads. Despite breaking their lengthy postseason drought a few seasons back, Sacramento has struggled to build meaningful momentum toward contending in the loaded Western Conference.
That reality has the organization weighing some difficult decisions about their veteran core. After all, staying stuck in basketball purgatory serves no one’s interests.
Should the Sacramento Kings Trade DeMar DeRozan?
The Kings’ decision to deal De’Aaron Fox in exchange for Zach LaVine sent shockwaves through the fanbase, leaving many wondering how the team would respond. Sacramento limped to a disappointing 40-42 record before the Dallas Mavericks bounced them from the play-in tournament.
PSFN analyst Brandon Austin believes moving on from DeMar DeRozan represents the Kings’ best path forward.
“DeMar DeRozan delivered a strong 2024-25 campaign for the Sacramento Kings, averaging 22.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists on 47.7% shooting across 77 games. His scoring surged to 25.4 points on 55.8% shooting after the De’Aaron Fox trade. He also passed 25,000 career points.”
DeRozan’s offensive production kept the Kings competitive throughout the campaign. However, his defensive limitations and contract situation make him an intriguing trade candidate.
What Makes DeRozan’s Contract Appealing to Other Teams?
“Despite his production, DeRozan’s contract makes him a logical trade chip. He’s in a three-year, $73.89 million deal with a $24.75 million cap hit in 2025-26 and a $10 million partial guarantee in 2026-27. That structure offers value to teams seeking short-term scoring help without long-term risk. With that said, he’s almost 36 and offers limited defensive impact, so his market may be limited to teams offering role players or picks,” Austin explained.
The veteran’s age creates both opportunity and concern for potential suitors. While DeRozan continues producing at an elite level, his 36th birthday looms as a reminder that Father Time remains undefeated. Contending teams might view him as the missing piece for a championship run, but they’ll need to weigh that against the uncertainty of how much longer he can maintain this pace.
For Sacramento, running back the same core after missing the playoffs makes little sense. The Kings need to either commit fully to competing or start building toward the future. DeRozan’s trade value gives them flexibility to explore both directions, depending on what offers materialize.
The veteran scorer remains one of the NBA’s most accomplished players without a championship ring. Whether this potential trade opens a path to that elusive title or represents another chapter in his journey could define both his legacy and Sacramento’s next phase.
