When DeMar DeRozan came to the Sacramento Kings last season, he was viewed as an experienced and proven NBA vet who could provide great offensive power and trusted wisdom about playing in the league.
Obviously, the team didn't get to where they wanted to be last season, and there are legitimate concerns about what 2025-26 will hold. Because of that, there is suspicion that DeRozan won't be suited up in Sacramento when the season comes to an end. In fact, a strong start to the year could all but assure that he is packing his bags before the trade deadline.
Teams will be closely watching DeRozan at the beginning of the 2025-26 season
DeRozan's 22.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists last year weren't enough to get the Kings into the playoffs, but they are nothing to sneeze at. Although he hasn't transformed this team into a postseason powerhouse, DeRozan still has a lot he can offer.
His stats last year barely dropped, and he is still seen as a reliable player, especially during high-stakes clutch moments. That is very appealing to a number of squads throughout the league. If DeRozan looks good during the opening months of the new season, there is no doubt that several front offices will take a good look at him and consider stealing him away from Sacramento.
Sam Amick spoke about this while talking to The Athletic. He said that DeRozan will be examined by other teams and a contending franchise might take a run at him.
When the summer started, many people wondered if DeRozan would stick around with the Kings. Now, the picture might be a bit clearer: Sacramento understands that DeRozan may not be the right fit for their team, but he could bring them quite a lot on the trade market.
Which teams would want DeRozan? Well, quite a few could be attracted to him. The trade deadline has a way of changing perspectives and making franchises eager, desperate even, to do business. Multiple teams could be on the verge of greatness, just needing a small tweak to the roster. DeRozan and his deep tool bag of skills could be that tweak.
Expect teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and others to be in the mix as the deadline sneaks up. They will be paying close attention to DeRozan for the next few weeks and months, and his value might grow substantially. The Kings might be having problems making trades now, but that may not be the case in February.
DeRozan might not have been everything the Kings needed, but he still has great value to many teams, and they will all be tuning into the Kings as the season gets started.