Key Points

DeMar DeRozan was reported not to be bought out after the NBA Trade Deadline.
DeRozan only has a $10,000,000 guarantee for 2026-27, so both Kings & DeMar have a decision.
DeRozan has lost 11 straight games & only shot three times, so does he want to win or just stay put?

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The Sacramento Kings are one of the worst teams in the NBA, but they didn’t end up moving their big three of Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, or DeMar DeRozan. 

DeRozan, at 36 years old, doesn’t have time to waste on a poor team like the Kings, and recent actions from the Kings also point to a divorce sooner rather than later. While it was reported before the NBA Trade Deadline that DeRozan had not yet discussed a buyout, it very well could happen soon.

For a Sacramento team that is last in the Western Conference at 12-41, there is no pathway to contention this season, and very likely no pathway moving forward with this core, so let’s break down why this move is likely.

*Prediction*

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Why the Sacramento Kings Could Release DeMar DeRozan

At this point in DeRozan’s career, it’s clear that he is not going to be a major target in trades, but the conversation now shifts to where DeRozan’s priorities lie. Are they with winning or making more money?

If he were to get bought out, it would waive the $10,000,000 guaranteed next season, but that also brings up the point of why the Kings wouldn’t rather do that than pay him what he’s owed next season.

One of the current problems with the Kings is the fact that they outright suck, and DeRozan’s role is diminishing. In a 3-point loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on February 6th, he played just 20 minutes and shot just three times. That is not the DeRozan we know.

The problem that people should take with the news about no buyout discussed is: what is the plan for DeRozan? It doesn’t make sense for him to rot on the Kings in 2026-27 again just to become a free agent, unless he’s planning to just retire.

With DeRozan growing up in the Los Angeles area, an immediate connection would be to the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason if they end up moving off of LeBron James or the Clippers if he indeed is bought out.

All in all, this boils down to the Kings either paying $10 million for DeRozan’s 2026-27 that he is guaranteed, or keeping him on the roster for $25+ million.

DeMar DeRozan Stats

DeRozan is averaging 19.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game this season with the Sacramento Kings, providing reliable scoring and veteran leadership. He’s doing that with efficient shooting, posting just over 50% from the field, even as Sacramento battles through a tough stretch. 

DeMar DeRozan Contract 

DeRozan initially signed this contract with the Chicago Bulls before he was traded to the Kings. His current contract has the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons on it, with a cap hit of $24,570,000 & $25,740,000 in those seasons.

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