DeMar DeRozan’s Release and Prospects

DeMar DeRozan has been officially released by the Sacramento Kings, marking his departure less than a week after reports of his desire to leave surfaced. The release was reportedly a joint decision between both parties, making DeRozan an unrestricted free agent following the waiver process.

Rumors are circulating about potential teams interested in signing the six-time All-Star. Notable among these are the Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, and his original team, the Toronto Raptors. Despite his roots in Southern California, where he starred for Compton High School and later USC, the Los Angeles Lakers are not expected to pursue DeRozan, as reported by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

DeRozan, raised in Southern California, earned McDonald’s All-American honors in high school and chose to attend USC, where his No. 10 jersey is now retired. Drafted ninth overall by the Raptors in the 2009 NBA Draft, he has carved out a significant career in the league, known for his mid-range scoring ability. Last season with the Kings, he averaged 18.4 points and 4.1 assists over 31.2 minutes in 77 games, shooting 49.7% from the floor. Approaching 37 years of age, DeRozan is a high-caliber player with six All-Star selections and three All-NBA honors to his name. He holds the Raptors’ franchise record for points and ranks 16th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with 26,711 points. However, an NBA championship has eluded him.

With the Lakers reportedly not in the mix, the Heat seem a viable option. Fresh from acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo, they have retained Bam Adebayo. Yet, the trade cost them depth and scoring, losing Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Kel’el Ware, while their previous top scorer, Norman Powell, departed for the Chicago Bulls. The Warriors, aiming to maximize their remaining championship window with Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler, might also consider DeRozan. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers, rivals to the Lakers, could be interested.

Toronto remains a compelling possibility. Following their trade for Kawhi Leonard, speculation grows that Kyle Lowry might return for a final season with the Raptors, with the team planning a press conference featuring a “special guest.” DeRozan and Lowry share a close friendship, and DeRozan was absent during the Raptors’ 2019 championship victory. Returning to Toronto could offer DeRozan a fitting final chapter to his career.