The Sacramento Kings are expected to adjust their roster this off-season under new management, potentially moving high-value players such as DeMar DeRozan. Among the prominent DeMar DeRozan potential NBA trade destinations, the Miami Heat currently lead the odds as favorites to acquire the forward, signaling a significant shakeup in the league’s trade landscape.
Possible NBA Teams Targeting DeMar DeRozan This Off-Season
DeMar DeRozan stands out as a prime candidate for relocation amid the Kings’ anticipated restructuring. Betting odds have surfaced, pointing to several NBA teams most likely to engage in a trade for him. This article examines the top three contenders and evaluates how likely these bets are to pay off, given existing team dynamics and salary considerations.
Miami Heat’s Odds and Roster Challenges
Oddsmakers have positioned the Miami Heat with the shortest odds at +145 to obtain DeRozan, though this ranking raises questions. Miami’s current salary distribution presents a challenge, with Tyler Herro and Andrew Wiggins, who occupy positions similar to DeRozan’s, commanding nearly $75 million combined for the next season. Given only two starting roles are available between them, fitting DeRozan onto the roster could prove complicated.
The Heat seem poised to pursue marquee players available this off-season, but acquiring DeRozan might only become a fallback option if primary targets are missed. The overlapping roles and financial load make a Heat-DeRozan partnership somewhat unlikely, despite Miami’s favored betting status.
Los Angeles Lakers’ Structure and Trade Potential
The Los Angeles Lakers hold established stars but may be willing to trade multiple role players to create a new core, which could include DeRozan. LeBron James and Luka Doncic combined will earn $99 million in the 2025-26 season, while Rui Hachimura is set for a $18.2 million salary, providing some flexibility for roster adjustments.
DeRozan’s experience aligns with what could be the final years of LeBron’s playing career, making the Lakers a plausible destination. However, given the rivalry between Los Angeles and Sacramento, the Kings would likely demand substantial compensation before agreeing to a deal. At +220 odds, the Lakers represent a possible but not overwhelmingly probable landing spot for DeRozan.
Denver Nuggets Weigh Trade Considerations
Rumors hint at Denver Nuggets exploring trades after their 2025 playoff exit, with players like Michael Porter Jr. and Christian Braun potentially on the trading block. The Nuggets’ playoff performance exposed weaknesses, especially in their depth. Acquiring DeRozan could help remedy those gaps, possibly replacing Porter Jr. in the starting lineup and creating salary cap space to strengthen the bench.
DeRozan shares +375 odds with the Toronto Raptors, but Denver appears to have a more compelling rationale for pursuing the veteran forward as part of an effort to enhance the team’s status. However, trading away core pieces remains a significant hurdle, as the Nuggets balance the desire for improvement against the risk of weakening their championship core.
Implications and Outlook for the Off-Season
The Kings’ pursuit of roster change, combined with teams like Miami, Los Angeles, and Denver showing interest, promises a complex off-season for DeMar DeRozan. Salary cap limits, positional overlaps, and inter-team rivalries will heavily influence trade negotiations. How these factors resolve will shape the landscape of several NBA franchises ahead of the next season.