DeMar DeRozan averaged more than 18 points per game last season for the Kings, who won only 22 games. Thearon W. Henderson / Getty ImagesJuly 6, 2026 Updated 3:21 pm EDTThe Sacramento Kings plan to waive 17-year NBA veteran DeMar DeRozan, according to a team source who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been completed. Once the move goes through, DeRozan will be among the top free agents on the market.DeRozan had one year and $25.74 million left on a three-year contract he signed in 2024, but the final season was only partially guaranteed. The forward started 77 games for the Kings, averaging 18.4 points and 4.1 assists per game. A six-time All-Star and three-time All-NBA selection, DeRozan spent most of his career in Toronto before three-year stints in San Antonio and Chicago.The Kings may still choose to stretch DeRozan’s salary, which would spread his remaining amount ($10 million guaranteed next season) over the next three years on their books. But since that deadline isn’t until Aug. 31, team sources say the Kings will pursue trades with other players that would allow them to not have to stretch DeRozan’s salary. In that scenario, the sources say, the Kings would need to take back approximately $8 million less in salary for the numbers to work.In his NBA trade board, where DeRozan is ranked 14th among the hottest players who could be on the move, The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie writes: “You know exactly what you’re getting with DeRozan: one of the few remaining midrange assassins in the NBA, a confident scorer who is elite at getting to his spots and shooting over the top of defenders. Defensively, you have to cover for him. He’s not quite the six-time All-Star that he was in Toronto and Chicago, but he can be an effective bucket getter. On a contender, he’s probably best as a sixth man. However, some teams could use his shot creation.”Jul 6, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms