In one of the biggest moves this summer, star DeMar DeRozan joined the Sacramento Kings. Though there was some belief he would return to the Chicago Bulls, DeRozan left the team after three seasons. All year, there were rumors about where DeRozan would play basketball next season. The Compton native was linked to many NBA teams, most notably the Los Angeles Lakers. Over four months after officially joining the Kings, new reports shed some light on what his other options were around the league.
Per The Athletic (subscription required), DeRozan considered four other teams before joining the Kings. Those teams were the Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, and Golden State Warriors.
DeMar DeRozan, who league sources say explored scenarios with the Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs and Warriors in search of a market value deal, had grown more fond of the Sacramento idea as time went on.
The 4 Other Teams Kings Star DeMar DeRozan Considered Joining
Evaluating Each Team
All four teams would have been interesting fits for DeRozan. Philadelphia ultimately ended up with Paul George. However, DeRozan would have been a solid backup option. DeRozan has experience in the Atlantic Divison due to his time with the Toronto Raptors. Additionally, he would have made a good third star next to Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
Miami was another team rumored to have interest in DeRozan. Ultimately, it never happened. DeRozan’s fit next to Jimmy Butler was questionable. However, given that the Heat are trying to maximize their championship window with Butler, there would have been some incentive to make this move.
The Spurs are perhaps the most intriguing team mentioned for two reasons. First, DeRozan played in San Antonio from 2018 to 2021. A reunion would have been an interesting development for both sides. And second, the Spurs were involved in the sign-and-trade that sent DeRozan to Sacramento. Though the Spurs are not likely to contend for a playoff spot this season, there is a lot of upside there. Most notably, Victor Wembanyama already looks like a star entering his second season.
As for Golden State, DeRozan likely would have been a replacement for Klay Thompson. They are different players and DeRozan would have brought a unique skill set to Golden State.
The Last Word On DeMar DeRozan and the Kings
DeRozan joins an interesting situation in Sacramento. Despite earning the No. 3 seed in the 2022-23 season, the Kings missed the playoffs last season. However, they have an exciting team that can easily make it back to the playoffs next year. Led by Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox, the Kings are an elite offensive team. Adding DeRozan to the mix will help elevate them in an already competitive Western Conference.
The Kings do not have to wait much longer to see DeRozan make his regular season debut for the team. Sacramento begins their 2024-25 campaign at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 24. From there, DeRozan and the Kings will aim to make their presence felt and prove they are legitimate title contenders.
