Sacramento Kings waive DeMar DeRozan, veteran All-Star becomes free agent

The Sacramento Kings announced that they have waived six‑time NBA All‑Star forward DeMar DeRozan. After failing to secure a trade partner, the team and the 36‑year‑old veteran mutually agreed to part ways, allowing Sacramento to stretch the $10 million portion of his $25.7 million contract over three years and gain salary‑cap flexibility for a rebuilding roster.

DeRozan, who averaged 18.4 points, 4.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds per game last season, instantly became one of the league’s top free‑agents. Multiple contenders, including the Toronto Raptors, Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors and others, have expressed interest, while the Los Angeles Lakers are not seen as a likely destination. Over his 17‑year career, he has scored more than 26,000 points, ranking fifth among active players and 16th on the NBA’s all‑time scoring list.

The move marks a notable shift for the Kings, who are focusing on younger talent and cap space, and it adds a veteran scoring option to the free‑agency market as teams look for low‑cost upgrades for a potential title push.