DeMar DeRozan’s tenure with the Sacramento Kings concluded on Monday, as the team released the six-time All-Star. This decision followed reports that emerged last week indicating DeRozan’s desire to leave Sacramento. The release was reportedly a mutual agreement, and now DeRozan will enter the waiver process and become an unrestricted free agent.
The rumor mill is rife with speculation about DeRozan’s next destination, with several contenders expressing interest. Leading the pack are teams like the Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, and Toronto Raptors, the latter being where DeRozan began his NBA career 17 years ago. One team notably absent from the conversation is the Los Angeles Lakers. According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the Lakers will not pursue DeRozan, despite his strong ties to Southern California, having grown up in Compton and attended the University of Southern California.
DeRozan, a native of Southern California, was a standout at Compton High School, earning McDonald’s All-American honors. He chose to stay close to home by committing to USC, where his No. 10 jersey is retired. Drafted ninth overall by the Raptors in the 2009 NBA Draft, he has become one of basketball’s foremost mid-range scorers.
Throughout his nearly two-decade-long career, DeRozan has maintained his reputation as a top scorer. Last season, while with the Kings, he averaged 18.4 points and 4.1 assists over 31.2 minutes in 77 games, shooting at 49.7%. Despite his achievements, which include six All-Star selections and three All-NBA honors, he has yet to secure an NBA championship. DeRozan is the Raptors’ franchise leader in points and ranks 16th in the NBA’s all-time scoring list with 26,711 points.
The Miami Heat appear to be a logical fit for DeRozan. Following their acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Heat roster still boasts Bam Adebayo but lacks depth after losing key players like Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Kel’el Ware in the trade.
The Golden State Warriors aim to leverage their remaining championship run with stars like Steph Curry and Draymond Green. Similarly, the Los Angeles Clippers might show interest in DeRozan, given their rivalry with the Lakers.
Toronto seems the most fitting destination for DeRozan. The Raptors recently traded for Kawhi Leonard and fans anticipate Kyle Lowry rejoining on a one-year deal. A press conference featuring a “special guest” is scheduled, stirring speculation. DeRozan, a close friend to Lowry, missed the Raptors’ championship triumph in 2019. Returning to Toronto could be a fitting conclusion to his career.