Official: The Sacramento Kings have officially waived six-time All-Star guard DeMar DeRozan.

The Sacramento Kings released a statement on Monday confirming the waiver of six-time All-Star guard DeMar DeRozan, who will turn 37 soon. With DeRozan entering free agency, his next destination has become a focus of attention for teams across the league.

All indications suggest that the Kings' move is primarily driven by financial considerations. DeRozan's salary next season is $25.7 million, of which only $10 million is guaranteed. Releasing DeRozan not only helps the Kings alleviate salary pressure but also allows for greater flexibility in future roster restructuring.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Sacramento Kings explored trade possibilities with DeMar DeRozan before officially releasing him from his contract, but ultimately failed to reach a viable agreement. DeRozan, now a free agent, is expected to attract interest from several championship contenders, but only the Los Angeles Lakers have explicitly stated they have no intention of pursuing him.

According to NBA insider Jack Fisher, the Toronto Raptors are one of DeMar DeRozan's potential destinations. In addition, the Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, and Los Angeles Clippers are also under discussion.

DeMar DeRozan, the 9th overall pick in the 2009 NBA draft, played for the Toronto Raptors, San Antonio Spurs, and Chicago Bulls during his career. During this time, he played 1,110 regular season games, averaging 21.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.0 steals in 34.6 minutes per game, with a 46.9% field goal percentage and a 29.6% three-point percentage.

DeRozan also played 63 playoff games, averaging 21.8 points, 47 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.1 steals in 37.6 minutes per game. His most representative playoff achievement was undoubtedly leading the Raptors to the Eastern Conference Finals in the 2015/16 season.

In July 2024, DeRozan signed a three-year, $74 million contract with the Kings. To date, he has played 154 games for the Kings, averaging 20.3 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.4 rebounds in 33.6 minutes per game, with a field goal percentage of 48.6% and a three-point percentage of 32.5%.

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