DeMar DeRozan becomes free agent after Kings cut him

The Sacramento Kings are waiving DeMar DeRozan, a decision made collaboratively by both sides, according to NBA insider Shams Charania.The Kings explored trade options for DeRozan, but came up empty.

The six-time All-Star now emerges as a top free agent this summer.The moves free up significant cap space for Sacramento, since the team is stretching and waiving DeRozan’s partially guaranteed $25.74 million salary.

The forward joined the Kings in the summer of 2024 via a three-team sign-and-trade with the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs.The Kings reunited DeRozan and former Bulls teammate Zach LaVine at the trade deadline in 2025.

However, the duo’s tenure in Sacramento was short-lived as the Kings missed the playoffs that season.DeRozan is now considered a solid option for teams as a fallback plan for teams in pursuit of LeBron James.

Teams that strike out on James are expected to pursue DeRozan.The 36-year-old averaged 18.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists while shooting 49.7% from the field and 32.0% from three.

The forward, who is entering his 18th NBA season, remains a reliable scorer in the league.DeRozan is also a durable player, appearing in at least 70 games in each of the past five campaigns.

He missed just five games last season.In his career, DeRozan has averaged 21.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists across 47.1% from the field and 30.2% from beyond the arc across 1,264 games.

After two seasons with the Kings, this summer marks the start of a new chapter for DeRozan....