As the free agent pool dries up, DeMar DeRozan has emerged as one of the last big names without a home. DeRozan can sign a below-market deal to join a contender and try again next season, he can take big money from a non-contender like Detroit or Utah to secure his money, or he can work a sign-and-trade to get a bit of the best of both worlds. Based on current reporting, most folks around the league are anticipating the sign-and-trade option for DeRozan.
Enter the Sacramento Kings.
Marc J Spears first mentioned the Kings as a dark horses candidate for DeRozan a couple of days ago. KC Johnson, who covers the Bulls for NBCS Chicago added that the Bulls are fans of Kevin Huerter.
The Hall of Famer @MarcJSpears was 1st to report Bulls link to DeRozan in 2021. Bulls are fans of Kevin Huerter, per sources. Something to monitor. https://t.co/3u4PwcTE9d
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) July 3, 2024
Since then, a few others have also mentioned the Kings and DeRozan as a possible connection, including ESPN’s Zach Lowe. Given all this smoke, it seems worth discussing the possibility.
On the floor, DeRozan would be a fantastic fit for the Sacramento Kings. A downhill attacker who can create his own shot, shoots the mid-range with astonishing efficiency, is still an incredible player in the clutch, and a player who gets to the free throw line with regularity, DeMar DeRozan adds an element to the Kings offensive attack that they desperately need. DeRozan is a proven vet with plenty of playoff experience. And he’s more of a natural fit at small forward, which would balance out the lineups if you’re swapping DeRozan for Huerter.
There are risks with DeRozan as well. He’s not a great three-point shooter, and will be 35 this season. Those factors make him a precarious fit. And sign-and-trades require a three year contract before any options can kick in. Now, because of these risks, DeRozan may be able to be had for a reasonable annual cost, and you aren’t asking him to be your number 1 or number 2 option. DeRozan would be the third option for the Kings, with the hope that Keegan passes him this season or the next. As a third or fourth option the age concerns are less of an issue, but then you also have to worry if DeRozan can remain as efficient in a smaller role.
If the Kings acquire DeRozan, I believe the benefits outweigh the risks, and I’d be excited about it. All the reporting right now is that the Kings would be a long shot, so I’m not getting my hopes up, but it would be a cool acquisition if it happens.
