{"id":269129,"date":"2026-04-15T14:24:11","date_gmt":"2026-04-15T14:24:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/269129\/"},"modified":"2026-04-15T14:24:11","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T14:24:11","slug":"demar-derozan-is-ready-for-whatever-comes-next-this-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/269129\/","title":{"rendered":"DeMar DeRozan is ‘ready for whatever comes next’ this summer"},"content":{"rendered":"

DeMar DeRozan\u2019s second season with the Sacramento Kings was defined by adversity, but also by historic accomplishment.<\/p>\n

Despite a 22\u201160 finish that tied Sacramento for the fourth\u2011worst record in the NBA, DeRozan continued to carve his place in league history while emphasizing gratitude for the opportunity to still play.<\/p>\n

In his 16th NBA season, DeMar DeRozan averaged 18.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game while shooting 49 percent from the field in 77 appearances.<\/p>\n

Along the way, he climbed to 18th on the NBA\u2019s all\u2011time scoring list, passing Hall of Famers including Oscar Robertson, Dominique Wilkins, Tim Duncan, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett.<\/p>\n

\u201cI mean, it\u2019s amazing passing anybody in this league doing anything,\u201d DeRozan said. \u201cYou know, it\u2019s an honor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"INGLEWOOD,<\/p>\n

(Photo by Luke Hales\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

More from DeMar DeRozan<\/p>\n

Even with the milestone, DeMar DeRozan was candid about the frustration of the season\u2019s results.<\/p>\n

\u201cI somehow never take for granted just being able to play this game,\u201d he said. \u201cHow many people get to play 17 plus years in this league\u2026 to be able to, you know, accomplish anything in this league is incredible. You know, I wish the wins came with it, but it didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

The season\u2019s challenges mounted early, with injuries and constant disruption forcing the Kings into repeated adjustments. DeRozan described a locker room weighed down by circumstances.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was like thing after thing after thing,\u201d he said. \u201cTrying to make adjustments in the midst of\u2026 losing games, frustration, you know, so many emotions. There was definitely a lot going on.\u201d<\/p>\n

Still, DeRozan said none of it diminished how he feels about Sacramento or his career.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take none away,\u201d he said. \u201cAt the end of the day, still being able to have this opportunity, you can never take that for granted.\u201d<\/p>\n

While winning remains the priority, DeRozan made it clear what drives him most at this stage.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe most important part is still being able to play basketball,\u201d he said. \u201cTo play the game that you love, winning and the love of the game is the only thing that matters for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"SACRAMENTO,<\/p>\n

(Photo by Ezra Shaw\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

One of the highlights of the season, DeRozan said, was working with the team\u2019s younger players, like rookies Maxime Raynaud, Nique Clifford, and Dylan Cardwell.<\/p>\n

Watching their growth helped bring energy to an otherwise difficult stretch.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou see them learn something, or they ask the right questions,\u201d he said. \u201cThat excitement gives us the energy that we need, especially a tough season like this.\u201d<\/p>\n

As for the future \u2014 including a partially guaranteed 2026\u201127 contract ($10 million, which goes up to $25 million if fully guaranteed by January 2027) \u2014 DeRozan isn\u2019t letting uncertainty weigh him down.<\/p>\n

\u201cI try not to think that way,\u201d he said. \u201cI just try to worry about day by day. Whatever comes next, I\u2019m gonna be ready for whatever it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

Be sure to check out all of the Sacramento Kings\u2019 end-of-season press conferences on the\u00a0Sactown Sports YouTube page.<\/a><\/p>\n

When is the next Sacramento Kings offseason date of interest?<\/p>\n

The Sacramento Kings will now look ahead to the highly anticipated NBA Draft Lottery, which is set for Sunday, May 10th.<\/p>\n

Sacramento hasn\u2019t secured the top pick in the NBA Draft since 1989, when it selected center Pervis Ellison with the first overall selection.<\/p>\n

Be sure to stay locked in to Sactown Sports 1140 all offseason for NBA Draft Lottery coverage, NBA Draft previews and analysis, NBA Summer League content, and MUCH more!<\/p>\n

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports<\/p>\n

Upcoming Sacramento Kings & NBA Offseason Schedule<\/p>\n

Tuesday, April 14th \u2013 NBA Play-In Tournament begins
\nSaturday, April 18th \u2013 NBA Playoffs begin
\nSunday, May 10th \u2013 NBA Draft Lottery
\nThursday, June 4th\u2013 NBA Finals begin
\nThursday, June 25th \u2013 NBA Draft (Round 1)
\nFriday, June 26th \u2013 NBA Draft (Round 2)
\nTuesday, June 30th \u2013 NBA Free Agency negotiation period begins (3 PM PT)
\nThursday, July 9th \u2013 NBA Las Vegas Summer League begins
\nMonday, July 13th \u2013 Free Agency moratorium ends \/ signings can become official<\/p>\n

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