The Sacramento Kings and DeMar DeRozan have been working towards a trade for the better part of the offseason. While there has been no movement on this front as of yet, recent rumors suggest that there could be something more significant at play.
The Kings have displayed an active interest in acquiring restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga. Having extended an initial trade offer for the forward, there may be a “handshake deal” between DeRozan and the Kings at play.
Sactown Sports 1140 host Allen Stiles recently elaborated on this and said:
“I believe that there is a handshake agreement between DeMar DeRozan and the Sacramento Kings. That is my belief. If Jonathan Kuminga is acquired by the Sacramento Kings, the Kings will get their butts in gear as far as getting DeRozan to another team.”
Stiles justified his reasoning by pointing to links between DeRozan and the Miami Heat, presenting them as a potential trade partner for Sacramento.
The idea of the Kings getting the Kuminga deal done appears to be gaining steam, especially with the forward being in contact with Sacramento’s front office. Should such a deal go through, the possibility of DeRozan being moved may increase.
In light of this, we explore a trade package that would allow the Kings to send the six-time All-Star to Miami.
Proposed Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: DeMar DeRozan
Sacramento Kings Receive: Terry Rozier, 2027 second-round pick (OKC/NYK/SAS swap), 2031 second-round pick (WAS swap)
When considering DeRozan’s contract, he isn’t earning much in comparison to other players of his stature, allowing the Heat to acquire a very capable scorer at a discounted price. Miami also offloads Terry Rozier‘s contract, shedding some salary in the process.
Largely, this trade could be beneficial for both teams involved.
The Heat are on the verge of being a playoff-bound team in the Eastern Conference next season. Although projected to rank sixth in the conference by Zach Lowe, the Heat have a lot of potential to compete at a high level.
With the addition of Norman Powell and the development of their young core, Miami could benefit from adding a reliable veteran to the mix.
For the 2024-25 season, DeRozan averaged 22.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game, while shooting 47.7% from the field and 32.8% from beyond the arc. Although his perimeter shooting figures aren’t awe-inspiring, his efficiency as a midrange scorer cannot be overlooked.
Even at 35 years old, DeRozan is a solid second or third scoring option. On a team like the Heat, featuring offensive threats like Tyler Herro and Norman Powell in the backcourt, along with Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware in the frontcourt, he could slot in quite seamlessly.
When considering the additional boost he provides to the overall roster strength, this trade could be worth considering for the Heat.
Meanwhile, the Kings acquire Rozier and two draft picks (potentially swaps). Sacramento may not have as much use for a player like Rozier, who is a score-first type of guard.
Last season, Rozier averaged 10.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, on shooting splits of 39.1% from the field and 29.5% from three-point range. While he is a serviceable offensive player, he may not fit in their rotation.
In this context, acquiring him would primarily serve to clear cap space next season due to his expiring contract. With $26.6 million coming off the books, Sacramento would have a lot more room to pursue additional role players to support its newly formed core, featuring Kuminga.
Kings’ Plans Hinge On Warriors’ Decision
The most vital aspect of this trade proposal is hinged on Sacramento successfully acquiring Kuminga in a sign-and-trade deal with the Golden State Warriors. This appears to be a challenge at this stage.
Sacramento has presented an initial offer centered around Devin Carter and draft compensation. However, the Warriors have shown increasing interest in Kings point guard Keon Ellis, whom the franchise has made unavailable in trade negotiations.
This could put a wrench in Sacramento’s plans as the Suns have also prepared a relevant trade offer for Kuminga. With so much hanging in the balance, DeRozan currently finds himself in an unfavorable position.
