Sacramento Kings Trade Rumors: DeMar DeRozan Likely on the Move as Sacramento Eyes Roster Shake-Up

NBA Trade Rumors: Sacramento Kings Trade Rumors: DeMar DeRozan Likely on the Move as Sacramento Eyes Roster Shake-Up

The Sacramento Kings' offseason is already heating up following their lottery disappointment, and DeMar DeRozan could be the first domino to fall.

After missing out on keeping their No. 13 overall pick—which now heads to the Atlanta Hawks due to pick protections—attention has turned to what changes new general manager Scott Perry may bring. According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, one of the most likely moves involves exploring the trade market for DeRozan, who arrived in Sacramento after an offseason sign-and-trade from the Chicago Bulls.

Why DeRozan Might Be Traded

DeRozan’s fit in Sacramento has been questionable from the start. At 34 years old, the six-time All-Star doesn’t align with the Kings' younger core, headlined by De'Aaron Fox, Keegan Murray, and Domantas Sabonis. His mid-range-heavy, isolation-focused offensive style doesn’t mesh with the fast-paced, perimeter-oriented approach preferred by head coach Mike Brown.

Further complicating matters, DeRozan was reunited with Zach LaVine in Sacramento—a duo that struggled to find chemistry during their time together in Chicago. With the Kings missing the playoffs and looking to reshape the roster to maximize Sabonis’ prime, moving off DeRozan could be the most logical starting point.

Market Challenges and Trade Outlook

Despite his offensive skill set and veteran leadership, DeRozan’s market value could be limited:

He rarely shoots threes, which limits spacing.
He’s no longer an asset on defense.
He thrives best in offenses built around slower-paced half-court sets, a rarity in today’s NBA.

However, teams in need of a steady scorer and veteran presence—perhaps fringe contenders looking for a playoff closer—could find value in DeRozan, especially on an expiring or manageable deal.

Don't expect a massive return, but Sacramento could still net valuable role players or future draft capital from the right buyer.

Kings’ Next Steps

Scott Perry’s front office appears ready to reshape the roster around Fox and Sabonis, and with plenty of big-name stars potentially on the move this summer—Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant, and others—Sacramento could position itself to be active, either as a buyer or a facilitator in larger trades.

DeRozan’s future in Sacramento is anything but certain, and as trade chatter escalates, don’t be surprised if his name headlines the early waves of the offseason rumor mill.