The Sacramento Kings have officially moved on from former All-Star forward DeMar DeRozan, putting an end to weeks of uncertainty surrounding his future with the organization.
On Monday, the Kings decided to waive DeRozan after trade discussions involving the veteran wing failed to materialize, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
“Just in: The Sacramento Kings are waiving DeMar DeRozan, making the six-time All-Star one of the top free agents, sources tell ESPN. The sides worked collaboratively on this resolution after exploring trade routes,” Charania reported.
Even though DeRozan is no longer in his prime, the 36-year-old still possesses the ability to serve as a high-quality complementary piece for a championship-caliber squad, and he is expected to attract significant attention once he becomes available.
Lakers, Raptors, and Pistons mentioned as potential suitors for DeRozan
In a breakdown of possible destinations for DeRozan, Big Lead’s Preston Palm pointed to the Los Angeles Lakers, Toronto Raptors, and Detroit Pistons as franchises that could pursue the six-time All-Star.
“DeRozan can pick wherever he wants to go, and ideally for him, join a contender and help them as a third option,” Palm wrote.
Across his two-year stint with the Kings, DeRozan proved to be a reliable scorer and demonstrated remarkable durability. The three-time All-NBA selection posted an average of 20.3 points per contest over 154 games in Sacramento, including a 22-point-per-game mark during the 2024 campaign.
DeRozan has suited up for at least 70 games in each of the past five seasons and has maintained a scoring average above 20 points per game throughout that span. The former USC standout continues to be a potent offensive weapon, and he has recently incorporated a dependable three-point shot into his offensive repertoire.
The Lakers are in need of a dependable third scoring option alongside Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic, and DeRozan’s veteran savvy and polished scoring abilities would pair well with Los Angeles’s backcourt stars, both of whom are dynamic offensive producers.
A return to Toronto for DeRozan would make for a compelling storyline, though the on-court dynamics with Kawhi Leonard and Scottie Barnes could present challenges unless DeRozan accepts a reserve role or shifts back to shooting guard—a position he has not played regularly in nearly ten years.
Detroit is searching for additional offensive firepower, and DeRozan would instantly address that deficiency. While he would not resolve the Pistons’ lack of floor spacing, his presence would alleviate some of the offensive burden on Cade Cunningham and provide the secondary scoring threat that Detroit urgently requires.
All things considered, DeRozan remains fully capable of functioning as a starting-caliber wing who can deliver 20 points on a nightly basis. A contender like the Lakers, Raptors, or Pistons might explore the possibility of signing the California native to bolster their offensive potential heading into the 2026 season.
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