The Sacramento Kings are waiving forward DeMar DeRozan, a decision made collaboratively by both sides after trade opportunities for the veteran did not materialize, according to NBA insider Shams Charania. This move makes the six-time All-Star one of the most prominent free agents available.
The Kings are stretching and waiving DeRozan’s partially guaranteed $25.74 million salary, which will free up significant cap space for the franchise. DeRozan joined Sacramento in the summer of 2024 through a three-team sign-and-trade involving the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs. He was reunited with former Bulls teammate Zach LaVine at the 2025 trade deadline, but their tenure together in Sacramento was brief as the team missed the playoffs that season.
DeRozan, 36, is now considered a strong fallback option for teams pursuing other high-profile free agents, such as LeBron James. Teams that do not sign James are expected to target DeRozan. Last season, he averaged 18.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, while shooting 49.7% from the field and 32.0% from three-point range.
Entering what would be his 18th NBA season, DeRozan has remained a consistent scorer. He has also demonstrated durability, appearing in at least 70 games in each of his last five campaigns, and missing only five games last season. Throughout his career, DeRozan has averaged 21.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists over 1,264 games, with shooting percentages of 47.1% from the field and 30.2% from beyond the arc. This summer marks the beginning of a new chapter for DeRozan after two seasons with the Kings.