When it comes to DeMar DeRozan, it's hard not to see how close he really came to winning a chip. This six time All-Star made a name for himself on the Toronto Raptors, narrowly missing out on their lone championship by one season.
That would be the closest DeRozan has ever come to an NBA Championship. To be fair, the Raptors did pick up four Division titles during his tenure, so there were opportunities.
DeRozan's most recent trade saw him go from the Bulls to the Kings, a move that helped set Chicago on their current path. Unfortunately, the same is true for the Kings as they now have a pricey veteran they might not be able move.
DeMar DeRozan comes to Sacramento
The 2024 trade that brought DeRozan to the Kings also sent Chris Duarte to the Bulls and Harrison Barnes to the Spurs. So far, DeMar has only played one season in Sacramento, and it was rough one thanks to major coaching and roster changes mid season.
Honestly, it was a solid season for DeRozan. All of his stats were right around his career averages. He was a point of consistency in an otherwise tumultuous Kings' campaign in 2024-2025.
At the same time, he isn't going to be the guy to take the team to the next level. DeRozan is 36 and going into his 17th season. His prime years are fully in the rear view mirror, something the rest of the NBA is well aware of.
The Kings are stuck
The 2025-2026 season will be the second year of DeRozan's three-year contract with the Kings, which is worth almost $74 million. That's enough money to cause cap problems when looking at trades and roster building, both for the Kings and any potential trade partners.
As it stands right now, the Kings need to be planning a future around players like Domantas Sabonis and Keegan Murray. That's hard to do when one of your starters is likely on the verge of retirement.
Reportedly, the Kings have been trying to trade DeRozan with some interest and nothing coming of it so far. If Austin Reaves hits free agency next summer and salary cap becomes an issue, having DeRozan on contract could prevent the team from making a move.