It's the same every year. As trade season closes in, rumors start flying, including old talking points from previous seasons. The LA Clippers having interest in DeMar DeRozan is back for 2025-2026, but this time the Sacramento Kings are more open to the idea than ever.
While it seems like a lifetime ago now, DeMar DeRozan was member of the Chicago Bulls way back in 2024. He was traded to the Kings in the offseason, beginning his career in Sacramento. He has certainly been shooting well for the most part, though his team isn't doing so well.
During that same summer, it was reported that the Clippers were also interested in DeRozan. Much like the Kings' front office, the Clippers hobby is collecting aging veterans and putting them on the court for long minutes. They have the oldest team in the league, with the Kings in fourth place.
The LAC roster includes Nicolas Batum, Brook Lopez, Chris Paul, Kawhi Leonard, and James Harden. Counting the current season, the average for these five player is 17.8 seasons in the league. The average age is 36.6 years. As such, it only makes sense to bring in another 17 season veteran.
DeRozan may leave the Kings soon
At five and 12, the Clippers are having a marginally better season than the five and 13 Kings. LA is dealing with a lot of injuries, and needs a player who can get into the groove quickly and score. DeMar DeRozan fits the bill perfectly as he just dropped 33 on the Wolves in the Kings' most recent win.
The problem is that the Clippers don't have much to offer in trade. Sacramento wants to build a younger, more durable squad that plays defense. The Clippers don't have a lot of assets that fit those requirements, and they're also short on draft picks to use in trades.
One option might be trading for Ivica Zubac, the Clippers' center. In his 10th season, Zubac is averaging 17 points, 2.4 assists, and 11.6 rebounds per game. Plus, he's known as a solid rim defender, something the Kings are certainly lacking. And at age 28, he's got plenty of good years left.
At this point, the Kings have limited trade assets and even more limited trading partners. If the Clippers want DeRozan, there has to be a way to make that trade work. This rebuild is going to take years to work through and come to fruition, but it has to start somewhere.