{"id":293474,"date":"2026-04-30T17:43:12","date_gmt":"2026-04-30T17:43:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/293474\/"},"modified":"2026-04-30T17:43:12","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T17:43:12","slug":"demar-derozan-sacramento-at-crossroads-this-offseason","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/293474\/","title":{"rendered":"DeMar DeRozan, Sacramento at crossroads this offseason"},"content":{"rendered":"

The future of DeMar DeRozan with the Sacramento Kings is shaping up to be one of the franchise\u2019s most intriguing offseason storylines.<\/p>\n

After a disappointing 22\u201360 campaign, tied for the fourth-worst record in the NBA, the Kings face a pivotal decision: whether to retain the veteran forward or continue pivoting toward a younger direction.<\/p>\n

Despite the team\u2019s struggles, DeRozan continued to produce in his 16th NBA season. The 36-year-old averaged 18.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game while shooting an efficient 49 percent from the field across 77 appearances.<\/p>\n

DeRozan also added to his legacy by climbing to 18th on the NBA\u2019s all-time scoring list, passing legends such as Oscar Robertson, Dominique Wilkins, Tim Duncan, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett.<\/p>\n

Still, production alone may not be enough to secure his future in Sacramento.<\/p>\n

\"SACRAMENTO,<\/p>\n

DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball against the Toronto Raptors at Golden 1 Center on January 21, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

More on DeMar DeRozan<\/p>\n

Speaking on Sactown Sports\u2019 The Matt George Podcast<\/a>, SI\u2019s Will Zimmerle<\/a> acknowledged the financial flexibility tied to DeRozan\u2019s contract as a key factor.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey can take that all the way into January, but again, I don\u2019t know if they want to wait that long,\u201d Zimmerle said, referencing the $10 million guaranteed for the 2026\u201327 season that becomes fully guaranteed at $25.7 million on January 10, 2027.<\/p>\n

Zimmerle also pointed to the lack of a robust trade market.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt certainly sounded like there was not a whole lot of interest around the league at the trade deadline,\u201d he said, adding uncertainty about whether that changes this summer.<\/p>\n

That leaves Sacramento with a few clear options: explore trades, hold DeRozan as a midseason asset, or waive him to create cap flexibility, especially with the Kings hovering around the second tax apron ($247 million).<\/p>\n

\u201cPay him his $10 million, that opens up $15 million worth of cap space,\u201d Zimmerle explained. \u201cAt the very least, it gets you closer to that first apron.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"PHOENIX,<\/p>\n

PHOENIX, ARIZONA \u2013 OCTOBER 22: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Sacramento Kings during the second half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 22, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Kings 120-116. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

There\u2019s also a human element. DeRozan, approaching 37, may prefer a chance to compete.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet DeMar pick where he can go play meaningful basketball to end his career,\u201d Zimmerle suggested.<\/p>\n

Ultimately, a separation feels likely. \u201cIt feels inevitable at some point. I\u2019d be shocked if DeRozan finishes the season in Sacramento,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Whether the Kings prioritize financial flexibility, asset management, or veteran leadership\u2014potentially alongside someone like Russell Westbrook\u2014will determine the path forward.<\/p>\n

But one thing is clear: DeMar DeRozan\u2019s future in Sacramento is far from certain as we head into a crucial offseason in Sacramento.<\/p>\n

Check out the full episode of The Matt George Podcast<\/a> and share your thoughts in the comments.<\/p>\n

Subscribe to The Matt George Podcast on Sactown Sports<\/p>\n

Subscribe to The Matt George Podcast<\/a> on Apple & Spotify. You can also watch all episodes of The Matt George Podcast on the Sactown Sports YouTube page & SactownSports.com.<\/p>\n

Matt George brings years of experience covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter, with deep roots in Sacramento\u2019s basketball community.<\/p>\n

His approach blends reporting, analysis, and a fan\u2019s perspective\u2014making The Matt George Podcast both informative and accessible for die-hard and casual Kings fans alike.<\/p>\n

You can also hear Matt on Sactown Sports alongside Kayla Anderson on The Matt & Kayla Show<\/a>, airing weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT.<\/p>\n

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

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

Sunday, May 10th\u00a0\u2013 NBA Draft Lottery
\nThursday, June 4th\u2013 NBA Finals begin
\nThursday, June 25th\u00a0\u2013 NBA Draft (Round 1)
\nFriday, June 26th\u00a0\u2013 NBA Draft (Round 2)
\nTuesday, June 30th\u00a0\u2013 NBA Free Agency negotiation period begins (3 PM PT)
\nThursday, July 9th\u00a0\u2013 NBA Las Vegas Summer League begins
\nMonday, July 13th\u00a0\u2013 Free Agency moratorium ends \/ signings can become official<\/p>\n

Thank you for reading\u00a0SactownSports.com<\/a>. Follow us on\u00a0Twitter<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Google News<\/a>, and subscribe to our\u00a0YouTube<\/a>\u00a0channel.<\/p>\n

Follow @FCartoscelli3<\/a><\/p>\n

\t
\n<\/a><\/p>\n