The Sacramento Kings added DeMar DeRozan in hopes of getting back to the playoffs and being serious contenders. It is easy to forget they were the third seed in the Western in 2023 before losing to the Warriors in the opening round of the playoffs. Sacramento won just two fewer regular season games in 2024, but couldn’t make it out of the Play-In Tournament.
DeRozan brings optimism to the Kings. The six-time All-Star is one of the best and most clutch scorers in the NBA. He can get buckets, make plays, and create problems for defenses.
DeRozan also gives the Kings three All-Stars at the top of their roster. It is not the most traditional Big 3, but Sacramento implemented that strategy. Multiple teams have won titles using it, including the Bucks in 2021 and the Heat with LeBron James in 2012 and 2013. Does it still work under the latest CBA?
Kings out to prove teams can still contend with a Big 3 under new rules
The Kings are paying their three All-Stars a combined $98.7 million this season. The franchise is hard-capped at the first apron after the DeRozan sign-and-trade. That means Sacramento is spending 55.7 percent of their cap space on three players. The other 12 make up less than 45 percent. Top-end talent wins in the playoffs, but having too much may be bad in this new era.
Teams do not want to exceed the second apron because it comes with harsh restrictions, including limiting roster flexibility and seeing your first-round pick moved to the end of the round. It has most teams avoiding the third star and chasing with two. The Celtics and 76ers are the exceptions. Philadelphia just signed Paul George in free agency to pair with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Boston went all-in last summer and technically has five All-Stars on their roster.
The Kings won’t be serious title contenders, but they hope their Big 3 gets them to the playoffs with a shot to make a run. Fox, DeRozan, and Sabonis will all have to sacrifice on offense, and putting a workable defense around that group won’t be easy. Sacramento is all-in on trying, but it may not work.
There is a ton of pressure on this season. Was the 2023 or 2024 season a fluke? Are the Kings a threat to finish in the West’s top six and win a first-round playoff series? Sacramento must answer those questions. They believe DeRozan solves some of their problems, and the Kings hope to keep the three star model alive.
DeMar DeRozan is 35 years old and may not have many peak years left. He wants to win immediately, and the Kings offer hope. Things won’t be perfect, but this Big 3 will bring plenty of excitement to Sacramento. That alone is worth it, and do not rule out the franchise making a playoff run in 2025. Anything can happen, and the Kings have the talent. It is all about putting it together at the right time.