The Sacramento Kings have entered the offseason with clear intentions to improve after once again missing the playoffs last season. Their efforts included selecting Nique Clifford in the first round and Maxime Raynaud in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft, alongside several roster changes designed to address key positions.
To fill the need at point guard, Sacramento signed veteran Dennis Schroder, while a trade with the Denver Nuggets brought in Dario Saric in exchange for Jonas Valanciunas. However, uncertainty surrounds the future of veteran forward DeMar DeRozan, who remains a central figure in ongoing trade discussions.
DeMar DeRozan’s Trade Prospects Appear Limited
Despite trade rumors involving DeRozan and Malik Monk, the Kings face a serious obstacle regarding DeRozan’s potential departure. A recent report from Forbes’ Evan Sidery revealed that the trade market for DeRozan is almost nonexistent, with no evident interest from other teams despite Sacramento’s willingness to explore options.
This lack of trading partners suggests that, unless a willing team steps forward, the Kings may have little choice but to keep DeRozan on their roster into the upcoming season. The situation marks a stark contrast to last offseason, when Sacramento acquired DeRozan in a sign-and-trade deal with the Chicago Bulls after multiple years of him being linked to trades.
DeRozan’s Value and Contract Impact on Trade Interest
In his debut season with the Kings, DeRozan averaged 22.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game, while shooting 47.7% from the field and 32.8% from beyond the arc. His scoring ability remains significant for any contending team seeking offensive production.
However, DeRozan’s sizable contract, which carries a $25.2 million salary per year for the next two seasons, is believed to be a major factor discouraging trade inquiries. Teams hesitant to absorb such a financial commitment might be passing on him, despite his proven scoring prowess.
Future Outlook for DeRozan and the Kings’ Roster Moves
While there remains a chance that a contender who misses out on other targets this summer could become a viable option for acquiring DeRozan, for now the prevailing expectation is that he will stay with Sacramento heading into the new season. The Kings’ inability to move one of their key veterans highlights the challenges they face in reshaping their roster during this pivotal offseason.