The Sacramento Kings are likely headed in a completely different direction, and that means DeMar DeRozan could be available as a free agent if he is waived.
Per Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports, DeRozan hope to accelerate exit from the Kings this summer. He expects to be waived according to rival executives.
DeRozan is owed exactly $10 million in guaranteed money if waived. Sacramento would likely use the stretch provision, spreading this $10 million over the next three seasons. It makes sense for the Kings, and DeRozan, to move on.
At 36 years old, DeMar DeRozan is no longer the centerpiece of a franchise, but he’s far from finished. If waived, contenders across the league should immediately line up for his services.
Even at this stage of his career, DeRozan is one of the most accomplished and experienced offensive players in the NBA. He can easily fit as a sixth man for most contending teams or, on some rosters, start as a wing player.
DeRozan is coming off a season averaging 18.4 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, and 0.3 BPG on 49.7% FG, 32.0% 3-PT FG, and 86.8% FT in 77 games (77 starts).
Yes, DeRozan isn’t an elite three-point shooter. He has shot under 35% every season of his 17-year career except once in 2021-22.
But DeRozan is one of the best mid-range scorers in the NBA, and if a bucket is needed, the veteran can deliver time and time again.
That’s why several contenders could benefit from adding a proven veteran who has averaged 21.1 PPG over his career.
Here are the five best destinations if the Kings move on, assuming the veteran is willing to accept a veteran’s minimum deal ($3.87M) in the 2026-27 season.
5. Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets have searched for another dependable scorer who can keep the offense flowing whenever Nikola Jokic sits or opposing defenses load up on the three-time MVP. The same goes for Jamal Murray.
DeRozan can rely on the mid-range shot, which would immediately diversify the Nuggets’ offense. The Nuggets ranked 1st in offense already (122.1 PPG) and 1st in offensive rating (122.6 PPG), but it doesn’t hurt to have more scorers.
He’s also a strong cutter and intelligent off-ball player, two traits that fit perfectly alongside Jokic’s passing ability.
Whether coming off the bench or starting, DeRozan would give the Nuggets another closer who can take pressure off Jokic in the fourth quarter.
His playoff experience is also sorely needed after the Nuggets were bounced in the first round against the Timberwolves.
4. Miami Heat
The Miami Heat have a superstar duo with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo and could use another huge piece to complete their starting lineup.
Offensively, DeRozan gives Miami another dependable closer late in games while consistently getting to the free-throw line. DeRozan averaged 5.6 free-throw attempts per game last season.
The Heat have revitalized veteran careers before, and DeRozan could be the next success story. He would provide reliable offense and another proven playoff performer for a team that always expects to compete deep into the postseason.
For the Heat, who have lost Norman Powell in free agency, DeRozan is the perfect player to be inserted into the lineup with Andrew Wiggins on the wing.
Make it happen, Miami, because they need it to boost their 13th-ranked offensive rating (116.7) from last season.
3. Los Angeles Lakers
Born and raised in Compton, DeRozan has openly discussed his desire to finish his career near family in Southern California. The Los Angeles Lakers have pursued him before, and this time the timing could finally be right.
Even at 36, DeRozan remains remarkably consistent, routinely shooting 49.7% from the field while creating offense without needing designed plays. The Lakers had an 11th-ranked offense last season (116.3) with LeBron James, so they need an immediate replacement on the wing to get that figure up.
Whether he starts or becomes the Lakers’ sixth man, DeRozan would immediately strengthen one of the league’s most recognizable franchises. If he comes off the bench behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, he bolsters a bench unit that also has Collin Sexton.
2. Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers have been consistently linked to DeRozan, and it’s easy to understand why. Staying in Los Angeles allows him to remain close to his hometown while joining a team that needs his scoring after trading Kawhi Leonard and essentially blowing up the team.
Even as his athleticism has declined, DeRozan is one of the NBA’s most reliable late-game scorers. There is no doubt DeMar will help boost the Clippers’ 24th-ranked offense from last season (113.8 PPG).
Rather than carrying an offense, DeRozan could embrace a more efficient role next to franchise cornerstones Darius Garland and the recently acquired Brandon Ingram. The Clippers would gain one of the league’s most experienced offensive players without asking him to shoulder superstar expectations.
For both sides, it’s a move that simply makes too much sense. If Sacramento parts ways with DeRozan, don’t be surprised if his next stop is just a short drive down the freeway.
1. Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors have already reunited with Kawhi Leonard in a blockbuster trade, bringing back the superstar who delivered the franchise’s first NBA championship. Why not complete the reunion by signing DeMar DeRozan, who helped build Toronto into a perennial contender before being traded for Kawhi in 2018?
DeRozan would fit beautifully alongside Kawhi, Scottie Barnes, and RJ Barrett. Beyond the basketball fit, the emotional significance would be enormous.
DeRozan is one of the most beloved players in Raptors history despite never winning a championship with the franchise. Bringing him back alongside Kawhi would reunite the two stars whose careers became forever linked by one of the biggest trades in NBA history.
For a Raptors team suddenly back in win-now mode, Raptors fans around the world want to see their franchise legend return to where he always belonged.
