Amick: Kings & DeRozan expected to part ways this offseason
The Athletic's Sam Amick joined Carmichael Dave & Jason Ross to share his intel on the Sacramento Kings as an important offseason begins.
Watch: Sam Amick shares his latest intel on the Kings' veterans, thoughts on Darius Acuff Jr. | 27 mins
The Sacramento Kings’ roster is likely to have a much different look come training camp this fall.
Appearing on Sactown Sports’ The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross, The Athletic‘s Sam Amick shared the latest on Sacramento’s efforts to move veteran contracts, including potential trades involving DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis.
Sabonis’ name has surfaced in trade rumors throughout the offseason, with the Charlotte Hornets and Toronto Raptors frequently mentioned as potential suitors.
However, Amick noted that Charlotte’s recent acquisition of Naz Reid in the LaMelo Ball-based blockbuster deal with Minnesota may have complicated a potential pathway to a Sabonis deal.
“Toronto still has some interest, but there are similar obstacles to that kind of a deal,” Amick said.
While no deal appears imminent, Amick believes there is still motivation on both sides to explore possibilities.
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
“I just think, generally speaking, that there is some level of shared motivation to get something done there eventually, but it’s tricky,” Amick said. “I don’t know what direction it’s going to go.”
Over the last four seasons, Sabonis has averaged 19.0 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 7.0 assists while shooting nearly 60 percent from the field and 38 percent from three-point range.
The veteran big man has made three NBA All-Star teams and been voted onto two All-NBA Third Teams during his career.
Sabonis, 30, is entering the third season of his four-year extension and has two years and $94 million remaining on his deal.
According to Amick, Sacramento’s successful 2026 NBA Draft has strengthened the organization’s belief in its young core, making veteran salary relief a priority moving forward.
After adding high-scoring guard Darius Acuff Jr., sharpshooting forward Alex Karaban, and two-way guard Emanuel Sharp to a roster that already includes Keegan Murray, Nique Clifford, Maxime Raynaud, and Dylan Cardwell, Amick says there is some buzz around Sacramento.
“The Kings, they finally have some legitimately good buzz about their young core,” Amick said. “Phase two is to get off some of the long-term money with some of their veterans as that era kind of comes to an end.”
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Is DeMar DeRozan’s exit near?
One veteran who appears unlikely to remain in Sacramento long term is DeMar DeRozan.
Amick said the expectation has always been that the partnership would likely end after two seasons, whether through a trade or release.
Earlier this week, HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported that the Kings are expected to waive-and-stretch DeRozan this offseason. DeRozan’s $25.7 million expiring contract is only guaranteed for $10 million, which can be stretched over the next three seasons.
“The DeRozan thing, that was always kind of unofficially the plan,” Amick said. “I do expect that to happen, whether it’s trade or getting cut.”
DeRozan’s contract structure and partial guarantee could provide Sacramento general manager Scott Perry with flexibility as he evaluates future roster construction.
If DeRozan is waived by the Kings later this offseason, both Los Angeles teams–the Lakers and Clippers–are expected to have interest in signing the Southern California native.
Will Zach LaVine pick up his option?
Amick also addressed Zach LaVine’s situation. The veteran guard has a player option worth approximately $49 million and must decide by June 29 whether to exercise it.
While speculation continues regarding possible destinations, Amick doesn’t see LaVine walking away from that money.
“He’s not leaving that money on the table,” Amick said.
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
If LaVine ultimately opts in, Sacramento could continue exploring trade possibilities. However, Amick admitted he is “not aware of anything that’s promising” at this stage.
Beyond Sabonis, DeRozan and LaVine, Amick also pointed to Malik Monk as another player who could generate interest around the league.
“They just got a lot of money that is not part of the future plans,” Amick said. “It’s still sitting on that payroll.”
Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PDT, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.
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What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?
The Sacramento Kings will now set their sights on the California Classic, with action set to run from July 4th through July 6th at Golden 1 Center.
New Kings point guard Darius Acuff Jr. (7th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft) will go head-to-head against Brooklyn Nets guard Mikel Brown Jr. (6th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft) at 2 pm PT on July 4th, right here in downtown Sacramento.
Be sure to remain locked into Sactown Sports for your Sacramento Kings Summer League news, analysis, and much more!
Upcoming Sacramento Kings & NBA Offseason Schedule
- Wednesday, June 24th – NBA Draft (Round 2)
- Tuesday, June 30th – NBA Free Agency negotiation period begins (3 PM PT)
- Saturday, July 4th – Monday, July 6th – California Classic at Golden 1 Center
- Thursday, July 9th – NBA Las Vegas Summer League begins
- Monday, July 13th – Free Agency moratorium ends / signings can become official
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Comments
1 Comments
Keep Domas, move Dero and ZLV. Maybe he'll have similar Fox/Huerter replacements in Acuff and Karaban. And Acuff can shoot it much better than Fox. With Darius, Alex, Keeg & Monk....could have 4 dangerous perimeter shooters if KM can bounce back to his first year level. Hunter is no slouch either.
No point in trading Domas while the value is so low also, already shipped Fox off for peanuts...why oh why do it again??! Esp in Sabonis' case, who's just 2 yrs removed from having back to back top 10 in MVP voting seasons.
Letting him go for one or two good players and a 1st rounder is bad business, imo.