Sacramento Kings Begin Youth Rebuild with Darius Acuff Debut as DeMar DeRozan Faces Buyout

Rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr., the No. 7 overall pick, made his Summer League debut for the Sacramento Kings, scoring a game‑high 25 points in a 79‑76 win over the Brooklyn Nets. Although he shot 31 % and was inefficient, his 25‑point performance and playmaking were highlighted as a sign of the franchise’s new direction.

The Kings are shifting to a youth‑focused rebuild, planning to build around Acuff alongside second‑year players like Nique Clifford. In line with this move, the team is expected to reach a buyout agreement with veteran All‑Star forward DeMar DeRozan in the coming days. DeRozan, 36, is entering the 2026‑27 season on a $25.7 million salary with only $10 million guaranteed; the stretch provision could reduce the cap hit to about $3.3 million per year. Once waived, he would become a free agent, with speculation about potential landing spots such as the New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, Golden State Warriors and Detroit Pistons.

The buyout would free up salary space for the Kings and allow DeRozan to seek a veteran‑minimum contract with a contender, while the franchise concentrates on developing its younger core.