DeMar DeRozan’s desire for a change was granted on Monday. The Sacramento Kings officially released the six-time All-Star shortly after reports indicated his wish to leave. Both parties reportedly agreed on the release terms. DeRozan now enters the waiver process as an unrestricted free agent.
Several contenders have emerged as potential destinations for DeRozan. The Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, and Toronto Raptors, where he launched his NBA career, are leading suitors. However, the Los Angeles Lakers are not in the mix, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. Despite DeRozan’s California roots and college tenure at USC, the Lakers have ruled themselves out as a landing spot.
DeRozan, born in Southern California, showcased his basketball skills in his youth. At Compton High School, he received McDonald’s All-American honors and distinguished himself as a top recruit. He chose to stay local by committing to USC, where his No. 10 jersey is retired. DeRozan entered the NBA as the ninth overall pick by the Raptors in the 2009 NBA Draft.
In nearly two decades in the league, DeRozan has established himself as a top mid-range scorer. During last season with the Kings, he averaged 18.4 points and 4.1 assists per game in 77 appearances, shooting 49.7% from the field. Approaching his 37th birthday, he has earned six All-Star selections and three All-NBA honors. His career achievements include leading the Raptors in all-time points and ranking 16th in the NBA’s scoring list with 26,711 points. An NBA championship remains elusive for DeRozan.
The Heat present a promising opportunity for DeRozan. They recently acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo, maintaining key players like Bam Adebayo. However, depth was compromised in the Giannis trade, resulting in the departure of Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Kel’el Ware, while Norman Powell joined the Chicago Bulls.
The Warriors are also contenders, eager to capitalize on the championship prospects with Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler. Neighboring Los Angeles Clippers may express interest too.
Toronto seems like an ideal fit. Their recent Kawhi Leonard trade and rumors of Kyle Lowry’s one-year re-signing raise speculation. A scheduled press conference with a “special guest,” potentially Lowry, could further entice DeRozan’s return. As close friends of Lowry, DeRozan could end his career where it started, with the team that fell short of an NBA title during his tenure.
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