Report: Kings seeking sign-and-trade scenario for DeMar DeRozan

As free agents continue to come off the board and teams around the NBA bolster their rosters, another target for the Sacramento Kings has emerged.

After being linked to trade targets like Utah star Lauri Markkanen, New Orleans forward Brandon Ingram, and Washington forward Kyle Kuzma, the Kings are eyeing free-agent wing DeMar DeRozan, a six-time All-Star who just completed a three-year, $81 million contract with the Chicago Bulls.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Friday that Sacramento is having conversations with DeRozan and the Bulls about sign-and-trade scenarios that would involve a third team and send the 34-year-old to Northern California.

“I think that DeMar DeRozan has played his last game for the Chicago Bulls. The one team that’s been dug in with [DeRozan] and trying to find a sign-and-trade scenario: the Sacramento Kings.

They have been talking this week. They’re going to need a third team involved in a sign-and-trade. Chicago, while they are certainly willing to facilitate helping DeMar DeRozan get more than the mid-level exception on a team that doesn’t have cap space. They don’t want to take back contracts… They’ll need a third team to route a bigger salary to. Those conversations continue…

Sacramento is the team to watch between now and when the moratorium ends in the next 24-48 hours.”

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski – July 5, 2024

More on DeMar DeRozan

This isn’t the first time the Kings have been linked to a Chicago star this offseason. Sacramento was widely reported to be evaluating Zach LaVine’s status in the days leading into June’s NBA Draft.

Instead of taking on LaVine’s massive salary, the Kings have turned their interest to DeRozan, who is seeking $20-25 million per season in his new contract. This would make DeRozan a likelier trade target for Sacramento as they operate $14.2 million beneath the first luxury tax apron and look ahead to giving De’Aaron Fox and Keegan Murray extensions following the 2025-26 season.

Adding DeRozan to a roster that includes Fox, Murray, All-NBA center Domantas Sabonis, and returning Sixth Man of the Year runner-up Malik Monk would upgrade a starting unit that has remained intact for the past two seasons.

Any sign-and-trade for DeRozan would surely include one or both of Harrison Barnes and Kevin Huerter, although it’s currently unknown if a third team will enter the fold to push things closer to the finish line.

DeRozan has been one of the NBA’s top scorers over the past decade, averaging 23.5 points per game since the start of the 2013-14 season. The 6’6 wing is coming off an impressive 2023-24 campaign that saw him average 24.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game on 48/33/85 shooting splits.

The veteran is a gifted scorer in the mid-range, knocking down nearly 50 percent of his jumpers from 10-to-16 feet. DeRozan is also reliable in crunch time, posting top-three finishes in Clutch Player of the Year voting over the past two seasons.

DeRozan is one of 15 NBA players to average 25+ points and 5+ assists per game over the past three seasons–joining potential future teammate De’Aaron Fox–while ranking fifth in Win Shares among the talented group.

Adding DeRozan’s scoring and playmaking abilities to Sacramento’s core would be a clear upgrade for a roster that is in need of a facelift. The reported number of $20-25 million would also keep the Kings under the first tax apron and make it easier for general manager Monte McNair to navigate the cap situation down the line to ensure he is able to pay Fox and Murray come 2026–if not sooner.

NBA free agents can officially sign contracts with their new teams as of 9:01 am PDT on Saturday, July 6th, meaning that we could see movement on this situation take place in the very near future.

When is the next NBA off-season date of interest?

Now that the NBA Draft is in the rearview, all eyes will shift to the start of free agency.

All 30 teams will be able to negotiate free-agent deals with players beginning this Sunday, June 30th, at 3:00 PM PDT.

Sacramento already did some heavy lifting by agreeing to a four-year, $78 million deal with Sixth Man of the Year runner-up Malik Monk, as the two sides agreed on a long-term contract last weekend.

Stay locked into Sactown Sports for all of your Kings free agency coverage, including player profiles, trade rumors, and much more.

Sacramento Kings 2024 Summer Schedule

California Classic | Golden 1 Center | Sacramento, CA

• Saturday, July 6th – vs. Chinese National Team – 7:30 PM PDT
• Sunday, July 7th – vs. San Antonio Spurs – 7:00 PM PDT
• Tuesday, July 9th – vs. Charlotte Hornets – 7:00 PM PDT

NBA Offseason Schedule

• Sunday, June 30th – Free Agent negotiating window opens (3 PM PST)
• Saturday, July 6th – Free Agents can officially sign contracts
• July 12-22nd – Las Vegas Summer League
• July 27-August 11th – 2024 Olympic Games
• Friday, September 27th – NBA training camps begin

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