The Sacramento Kings saw a disappointing end to their season, finishing ninth in the Western Conference and eventually crashing out of the Play-In tournament. With the alarm bells ringing, trades for players such as DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Domantas Sabonis suddenly seemed likely.
While Sabonis and LaVine are unlikely to be moved in the offseason, a potential move for DeRozan remains on the table. At 35 years old, the guard remains an incredibly capable offensive player, having averaged 22.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game.
DeRozan's commitment to playing at the highest level is admirable, seeing him mentioned in a number of trade ideas and proposals in the offseason. Unfortunately, no such deal has materialized, as recent reports suggest limited interest in the 6x All-Star.
Considering that the guard could still be a valuable contributor on a winning team, we explore five potential trade scenarios that could be of benefit to the team, as well as the player.
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics will be heading into next season after making significant changes to their roster to avoid the second luxury tax apron. Considering their reduced roster strength for next season, Boston will need a proven scorer, making DeRozan a solid target.
Proposed Trade Details
Boston Celtics Receive: DeMar DeRozan
Sacramento Kings Receive: Anfernee Simons, 2027 first-round pick, 2031 second-round pick (CLE)
This trade proposal may raise some eyebrows, primarily due to the mention of a young guard like Anfernee Simons, but there is some merit to it.
Some rumors have suggested that the Celtics may look to flip Simons to clear out roster space and acquire two key players instead. Considering the salaries match, Boston could acquire a proven offensive threat in DeRozan instead.
The addition of DeRozan could be widely positive for Boston. His effective midrange style of play would complement the Celtics' perimeter-heavy offense, creating a more flexible setup. When also considering Jayson Tatum's absence due to injury next season, Boston will need a secondary offensive threat.
DeRozan's arrival will not transform Boston into a title contender, but it will help them remain competitive next season. In a weakened Eastern Conference, the 6x All-Star may also see a boost in performance as defenders shift their focus to Boston's other offensive weapons.
The downside of this trade is the timeline. DeRozan still has two years on his contract, and at 36 years old, he may not be good enough to start on a healthy Celtics team. While Boston would still benefit from having the guard come off the bench, this may not be in his best interests.
Detroit Pistons
An interesting landing spot for the Kings guard may be the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons are a team on the rise in the East. Featuring a talented young leader in Cade Cunningham, Detroit could do well to acquire a seasoned veteran like DeRozan.
Proposed Trade Details
Detroit Pistons Receive: DeMar DeRozan
Sacramento Kings Receive: Isaiah Stewart, 2028 first-round pick, 2027 second-round pick (via MIL)
A trade with the Pistons would see DeRozan become the designated veteran on a young roster. While this could be a clunky fit, it could also be ideal in many ways.
Detroit made an inspiring rise through the ranks of the East last season, finishing in sixth and securing a playoff spot. After taking a game off the New York Knicks in the first round, the Pistons showed that they are hungry and they have what it takes to compete. The only thing they lack is experience.
Although the Kings' star hasn't enjoyed much success in the playoffs, his overall experience could be invaluable for the team. With Tim Hardaway Jr. and Malik Beasley out of the rotation, the Pistons need a veteran shooting guard in their rotation, a role DeRozan could slip into comfortably.
While remaining a viable second scoring option, the 6x All-Star could thrive on a team like the Pistons.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers have made some significant changes to their side this offseason. Having constructed the team to make a run at the title, the Clippers could benefit from adding a talented scorer like DeRozan to their ranks.
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: DeMar DeRozan
Sacramento Kings Receive: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Derrick Jones Jr.
This trade sees virtually no draft assets being moved, just veteran talent. But the impact on both sides is significant, with the Clippers gaining a key roster piece in DeRozan.
The King's guard is known for his connections to Los Angeles. Considering the failed move to the Lakers, the 6x All-Star is likely to welcome a move to the cross-town rivals instead.
The timing of such a move would also be appropriate, considering that the Clippers traded Norman Powell to the Miami Heat to acquire John Collins in a three-team trade. With Powell headed out, LA has a vacancy in their starting shooting guard spot, a role fit for DeRozan.
On a roster featuring Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, DeRozan is bound to find more scoring opportunities as defenses are forced to collapse on his teammates. With ample room to operate in the midrange as well, the Clippers may very well be the ideal fit for the star.
Unfortunately, the current scenario suggests that the Clippers may be in pursuit of Bradley Beal after he clears waivers after being bought out. But in the event that this deal doesn't happen, LA may benefit from taking a flyer on DeRozan.
Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors are ramping up to be an intriguing young side heading into the next season. But with the opportunity to acquire a franchise legend, the team could look to satisfy fans by trading for DeMar DeRozan.
Proposed Trade Details
Toronto Raptors Receive: DeMar DeRozan
Sacramento Kings Receive: RJ Barrett, 2028 first-round pick
This trade proposal could be of benefit to both teams, as it allows the Kings to acquire a capable playmaking forward. But the implications of this trade are far more sentimental for DeRozan and the Raptors.
The guard had some of the best years of his career with the Raptors. After being drafted by the team in 2009, DeRozan gradually worked his way towards becoming an All-Star. Although his departure coincided with the team's championship run, it goes without saying that DeRozan is a franchise legend.
Apart from the sentimental value for the fanbase, the addition of DeRozan also has positive implications for the team's overall output. Given the task of sharing offensive duties with Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes, the new Raptors trio could prove to be a potent combination in the right circumstances.
While the team's perimeter shooting is likely to drop off, the overall offensive integrity in the midrange and the paint could lend itself to more traditional offensive schemes.
Overall, this move wouldn't see the Raptors transform into a powerhouse in the East. But it could be a positive sight for the fans and for DeRozan, who could then consider retiring as a Raptor in due time.
Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz are a team with a lot of young talent heading into the next season. With a need for veteran experience and scoring punch, the Jazz could look at acquiring DeMar DeRozan via trade.
Proposed Trade Details
Utah Jazz Receive: DeMar DeRozan
Sacramento Kings Receive: Keyonte George, Cody Williams, 2027 first-round pick (LAL), 2029 second-round pick
A trade of this nature could have massive implications for the Jazz's future. Utah ended last season as the worst team in the West. While the addition of DeRozan may not transform them into a title contender, in the right circumstances, they certainly become a far more competitive side.
Even at 35 years old, DeRozan has shown that he is capable of being a viable offensive threat. When paired with the likes of Lauri Markkanen, the Jazz could see the formation of a fairly potent offensive duo.
The addition of DeRozan would also be vital in guiding the team's newest addition, No. 5 overall pick Ace Bailey. Bailey has shown immense talent and potential. With a veteran like DeRozan to guide him, Utah can be assured of the rookie's growth as a player.
Parting with Keyonte George and Cody Williams will be a challenge for Utah. But considering what DeRozan brings to the table, Utah may still entertain this trade if it accelerates the growth of its core.
What Does The Future Hold For DeMar DeRozan?
The future outlook is bleak at the moment. Considering his style of playing, DeRozan isn't the ideal fit for a lot of teams. When also factoring in his age, many teams are expected to pass on the 6x All-Star.
But with a long offseason still left, teams may simply be biding their time before taking a flyer on the veteran. As things stand, it seems more likely that the guard plays out his contract with the Kings.
