DeMar DeRozan Waived by Sacramento Kings, Enters Free Agency
DeMar DeRozan has been waived by the Sacramento Kings, according to multiple sources, making him an unrestricted free agent ahead of the 2026 NBA free agency period. The move, confirmed by the league’s transaction wire, marks a significant shift in the veteran guard’s career and opens the door for potential suitors across the league.
The Kings’ decision to release DeRozan comes after a season in which the 35-year-old averaged 18.2 points per game while playing 67 games, according to official NBA stats. The team has not publicly commented on the move, but league insiders suggest it aligns with a broader strategy to retool their roster ahead of the 2026-27 season.
DeRozan, a 10-time NBA All-Star, has spent the last four seasons with the Kings after joining the franchise in a 2022 trade. His tenure in Sacramento was marked by a mix of on-court contributions and off-court friction, including reported disagreements with head coach Mike Brown. The team’s current general manager, Monte McNair, has not publicly addressed the waiver, but multiple outlets have cited league sources indicating the decision was “mutual.”
Why This Move Matters for the Kings
The Kings’ decision to waive DeRozan reflects a strategic pivot as they aim to position themselves as contenders in the Western Conference. The team currently holds the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference but faces competition from the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and Dallas Mavericks. By freeing up cap space, the Kings could pursue high-impact additions or re-sign key players like De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.
“This is about building a championship-caliber roster,” said a league source familiar with the Kings’ front office strategy. “DeRozan’s role was evolving, and the organization felt this was the right step to maximize their long-term potential.”
The move also allows the Kings to avoid the luxury tax, which is projected to rise significantly in the 2026-27 season. DeRozan’s $32.8 million salary for the 2026-27 season would have placed the team well above the tax threshold, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks. By waiving him, the Kings could save approximately $25 million in cap space, according to a report from The Athletic.
What This Means for DeRozan’s Free Agency
DeRozan’s entry into free agency has already drawn interest from multiple teams, including the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, and Philadelphia 76ers. The 35-year-old guard, who has averaged 19.6 points per game over his 14-season career, is expected to command a multi-year contract in the $50 million range, according to NBA insider Shams Charania.
“DeRozan’s experience and playoff pedigree make him a valuable asset,” said a source with knowledge of the free agency landscape. “Teams looking to add a veteran scorer will be in pursuit.”
However, DeRozan’s market may be influenced by his recent performance. In the 2025-26 season, he shot 42.3% from the field and 34.1% from three-point range, below his career averages. His defensive limitations, particularly against quicker guards, have also been a point of discussion among analysts.
Historical Context: DeRozan’s Career and Previous Moves
DeRozan, a 6-foot-6 guard from Chicago, was selected third overall by the Toronto Raptors in the 2009 NBA Draft. He spent his first 13 seasons with the Raptors, leading the team to its first-ever NBA championship in 2019. His time in Toronto was defined by his scoring ability and leadership, but he also faced criticism for his defensive shortcomings and occasional off-court controversies.
After the Raptors’ championship, DeRozan was traded to the Chicago Bulls in 2021 in a package that included a first-round draft pick. His tenure in Chicago was short-lived, as he was dealt to the Kings in February 2022. The move to Sacramento was seen as an attempt to reinvigorate his career, but it ultimately did not yield the expected results.
“DeRozan’s career has been a mix of highs and lows
