As the NBA free agency period moves into the latter stages, teams across the league are considering one last hail-mary move. In the case of the Kings, that move could come in the form of DeMar DeRozan who has quickly become the hottest name on the market right now.
“Kings have talked to Bulls about DeRozan sign and trade, per source. Spurs also now another possibility,” wrote Barry Jackson. “Despite DeRozan interest in Miami, Heat not in a position to give him what he’s seeking at this time… Heat will hope opportunity on some player it wants arises this summer.”
DeRozan, 34, is a 15-year NBA veteran with experience on the Raptors, Spurs, and Chicago Bulls. DeMar has been one of the most consistent players for the Bulls all season long but they are ready to rebuild and his place on the roster is shrouded in doubt.
As a two-way wing player who averaged 24.0 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game on 48.0% shooting, DeRozan can make a significant impact for most teams across the league and the Kings are the latest franchise to consider a pursuit.
Just two seasons ago, they were the feel-good story of the year after setting a franchise record for regular-season access. But after a summer of inactivity, the Kings took a step back in the West and they only finished 9th in the 2023-24 campaign.
With De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, and Keegan Murray, the Kings have a solid core of players who can compete against the best of the best. To fill out the roster, they’ve gathered several high-value and experienced veterans including Malik Monk and Harrison Barnes.
As a team with a depressing history, things are finally starting to look up for the Kings and this is an opportunity for them to build a contender by doubling down on their core and surrounding them with the necessary role-players.
DeMar, while not the perfect fit, could be someone who raises the ceiling for the Kings, especially in the playoffs. His mid-range game combined Fox’s playmaking and ball handling at point guard would make a deadly combination and increase the effectiveness of an already potent offense.
The only question now for DeRozan is what it would take to pry him away from the Bulls. The 6x All-Star is coming off a multi-year salary worth roughly $28 million per year but he’s a free agent now and is free to choose a team of his own choosing.
With several teams in the running, including the Spurs, Lakers, and the Miami Heat, DeMar will have his pick of several situations and he’s likely to move somewhere that can satisfy all of his preferences.
The Kings are certainly an interesting choice for the former Raptors swingman and while he’s not the most lucrative addition, he’s arguably the best available right now and it’s the fastest way for the Kings to get better without giving up any of their biggest pieces.
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