The Sacramento Kings will meet with DeMar DeRozan as early as today to deliver their recruiting pitch to the six-time All-Star, per Turner Sports insider Chris Haynes.
Kings To Meet With DeMar DeRozan
Earlier this week, DeRozan and the Kings were reported to have mutual interest in a deal.
After speaking to several sources over the past 24 hours, I’m told there is “mutual interest” between DeMar DeRozan and the Sacramento Kings.
The 34-year-old, 6x All-Star led the NBA in minutes played & 4th quarter scoring last season in Chicago.
— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) July 6, 2024
A scoring-minded swingman who’s proficient in the midrange and a sensational performer in the clutch, his services have been sought after by a number of contenders. The Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers both made passes at DeRozan, as well as the Miami Heat. However, his free agency has been complicated by his salary demands, as he’s unwilling to sign for the $5.2 million taxpayers mid-level exception. The Chicago Bulls are willing to execute a sign-and-trade that fatten DeRozan’s pockets. Nonetheless, they still have to want the players being offered to them to make the deal.
Of the playoff contenders with interest in DeRozan, Sacramento appears to offer something of value.
The Bulls are fans of former first-round pick Kevin Huerter, a long-limbed wing who excels as a perimeter threat. The six-year veteran has made 38.2 percent of his 3s over his career, shooting at least 36 percent from deep every season. Though consistent, he isn’t a takeover scorer, which is what Sacramento is looking for. To that point, DeRozan does appear to be their top target.
However, they’re also rumored to have interest in Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen. In fact, they were rumored to be close to trading for Markkannen earlier this week. It’s possible that they circle back to the Finnish star if they can’t complete a deal for DeRozan.
.@YourManDevine and @JakeLFischer detail how likely a Lauri Markkanen trade is 👀 pic.twitter.com/fDluNXzlIG
— Ball Don’t Lie (@Balldontlie) July 3, 2024
In any case, Huerter complements Josh Giddey in the backcourt. With that being said, as Chicago has opted for a rebuild, they don’t need him to be ‘the guy.’ They just need him to be a piece of the puzzle.
Plus, why not get something out of DeRozan leaving?
A Third Team?
Surprisingly, the San Antonio Spurs are rumored to be in on the deal, coming in to absorb some of Sacramento’s salary.
League sources confirm that Kings and Bulls have discussed a potential sign and trade for DeMar DeRozan. Trade requires a third team, which is lined up, but there is competition for DeRozan’s services.
— James Ham (@James_HamNBA) July 6, 2024
As Harrison Barnes has been on the trade block for months, his inclusion is probable. That being said, despite the Spurs being in a rebuild themselves, they’ll value Barnes’s experience and professionalism. As San Antonio begins to mold 2023 No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama, it won’t just be his talent that dictates his success but his intangibles as well.
Barnes could be more than a locker room leader though. Over his 10-year career, he’s shot 37.9 percent from 3. A more reliable stretch forward than the Spurs had last season, he improves their floor balance with the spacing he provides.
