The Sacramento Kings announced Monday that they have waived DeMar DeRozan, putting the six-time All-Star among the most notable players available in free agency.
DeRozan’s deal for next season included only a partial guarantee, and the veteran guard worked with Sacramento on a release that would give him the opportunity to seek a new team. Several contending clubs are expected to show interest, including teams that may miss out in their pursuit of LeBron James.
The Los Angeles Lakers, though, are not expected to be in the mix. Multiple league sources told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin that the Southern California native is not viewed as a potential fit for Los Angeles.
DeRozan became a salary-cap casualty for a Kings franchise shifting toward a rebuild and looking to reduce payroll. Of his $25.7 million salary for next season, only $10 million was guaranteed. Sacramento has until the end of August to decide whether to stretch that remaining amount over three seasons, a move that would take the team below both apron thresholds.
thank you for every bucket, every big moment, and every time you represented Sacramento. wishing you all the best in your next chapter Deebo 👑💜 pic.twitter.com/0gDQHjMCxi
— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) July 6, 2026
DeRozan, who turns 37 in August, remained one of the NBA’s steadier offensive players in his 17th season, averaging 18.4 points while shooting just under 50% from the field with Sacramento. He also continued to be highly durable, missing only five games. The veteran has played at least 70 games in each of the past five seasons.
Sacramento acquired DeRozan from the Chicago Bulls in the summer of 2024, then reunited him with former Bulls teammate Zach LaVine at the 2025 trade deadline.
A three-time All-NBA selection, DeRozan ranks among the top 25 scorers in league history and previously put together 12 consecutive seasons averaging at least 20 points per game.
