The Sacramento Kings have bought out DeMar DeRozan two years after trading for him, leaving the 36-year-old without a team heading into the 2026-27 season.
DeRozan is #16 on the all-time NBA scoring list, but there has been a visible decline in his play since arriving in Sacramento. That’s why the California team has made the decision to cut him from the roster.
Since he hasn’t expressed a desire to retire, the focus now moves to where he signs next. Deemed not to be good value for money at $22 million/year, the most he should expect is a mid-level exception — up to $15 million.
But who would benefit from DeRozan’s skillset, and who would be willing to take the gamble on the veteran guard.
Best NBA landing spots for DeMar DeRozan
A return to the San Antonio Spurs
Looking at DeRozan’s old teams, the two options that stand out for a homecoming are the Toronto Raptors and San Antonio Spurs.
Kawhi Leonard has returned to Toronto himself, and there’s something quite nice about the idea of them joining forces. But the Spurs have more room for him.
San Antonio showed this year that they are ready to contend. One of the biggest reasons they fell short against the New York Knicks was a lack of experience. The veteran leadership of DeRozan could be exactly what they need.
Tobias Harris might be an obstacle to minutes, but if they can make the money work, he would be a great addition both to the rotation and to the locker room.
Young stars Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle could take their mid-range game to a new level under DeRozan’s mentorship.
Replacing Jaylen Brown in Boston
The Boston Celtics have some serious shot-creation holes to fill this summer, especially now that Jaylen Brown has been traded to the Philadelphia 76ers.
If DeRozan still wants starter minutes at this stage in his career, the TD Garden might be the most logical choice. It’s hard to know just how close to the top of the East the new-look Celtics will be, and the fit next to Jayson Tatum might not be perfect, but they have roster spots to fill and deficiencies to address.
Even as he enters the twilight of his career, DeRozan’s IQ, footwork and playmaking are still elite. Boston took a risk moving on from Brown — perhaps this is the perfect stopgap until they identify their next star guard.
A trio of DeRozan, Tatum, and Paul George sounds like a lot of fun, with Derrick White and Mitchell Robinson making up the potential starting five.
Joining Ant and Melo on the Timberwolves
The LaMelo Ball trade to the Minnesota Timberwolves is one of those moves that makes you go: Wow.
Him and Anthony Edwards as a backcourt duo is scary, but the depth they have behind them doesn’t scream contender.
Ayo Dosumnu, Bones Hyland, Isaiah Evans and Terrence Shannon Jr. are all solid guards, but none of them can be the first offensive option on an NBA team. When neither Melo nor Ant are on the floor, who’s going to run the offense?
Well, it could be DeRozan. The Wolves would have to make some room beforehand, but this is one I can really see working.
As much as he will feel he can contribute on a starting basis, it might be best for DeRozan to adopt that sixth-man role, and extend his career even further. Not to mention, he’d have a real shot at a ring.
That’s the case with each of these three teams. The Celtics, Spurs and Timberwolves will all be targeting a top seed and a run to the Finals.
DeRozan has achieved a lot in his NBA career, but the Larry O’Brien would be the crowning achievement, even if it comes more as a role-player than a superstar.
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