DeMar DeRozan Hits Free Agency After Kings Waive Si Time NBA All-Star

Published 7 July 2026 · sports

DeMar DeRozan Hits Free Agency After Kings Waive Si Time NBA All-Star Published By, Last Updated: July 07, 2026, 07:42 IST The Kings have waived

DeMar DeRozan Hits Free Agency After Kings Waive Si Time NBA All-Star Published By, Last Updated: July 07, 2026, 07:42 IST The Kings have waived DeMar DeRozan after unsuccessful trade talks, making the si time All-Star one of the top free agents as contenders weigh a low-cost title push. Rapid Read DeMar DeRozan (AFP) DeMar DeRozan is back on the open market after the Sacramento Kings decided to waive the si time NBA All-Star in a move made jointly by both sides, according to NBA insider Shams Charania. Sacramento had explored trade options for the 36-year-old veteran in recent weeks but failed to find a suitable deal. Instead, the Kings opted to stretch and waive DeRozan’s partially guaranteed $25.74 million salary, creating significant salary cap flexibility while allowing the former All-Star to choose his next destination. The move brings an abrupt end to DeRozan’s brief spell in Sacramento.

He arrived in the summer of 2024 as part of a three-team sign-and-trade involving the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs, before reuniting with former Bulls teammate Zach LaVine following the 2025 trade deadline. The partnership, however, failed to deliver a playoff berth, with the Kings missing the postseason. Now entering his 18th NBA season, DeRozan instantly becomes one of the biggest names available in free agency. Several teams are expected to view him as a strong fallback option if they miss out on pursuing LeBron James. Reports also suggest DeRozan is willing to sign for the veteran’s minimum if it gives him a genuine chance to compete for an NBA championship, a stance that could significantly widen his market among contenders. Despite advancing in age, DeRozan remains one of the league’s most dependable scorers. He averaged 18.4 points, 4.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds last season while shooting an efficient 49.7 percent from the field and 32.0 percent from three-point range.

Although it was his lowest scoring average since the 2013-14 campaign, his improved shooting efficiency highlighted that he remains an effective offensive weapon. Durability has also continued to define DeRozan’s career. He has played at least 70 games in each of the past five seasons, missing only five games last year. Across 1,264 regular-season appearances, DeRozan owns career averages of 21.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists while shooting 47.1 percent from the field. His fit may not be perfect for every contender given his preference for the mid-range game over high-volume three-point shooting. But with proven scoring, playmaking and remarkable durability — potentially available at a bargain price — DeRozan is expected to generate significant interest as he searches for what could be the final and most meaningful chapter of his NBA career. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Siddarth Sriram After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas.