The Kings are struggling, and DeMar DeRozan is making it clear he wants to compete for something meaningful before his career ends! When DeMar DeRozan joined the Sacramento Kings in the summer of 2024, the team was on a trajectory of improvement, boasting 48 and 46 win seasons and aiming for a deeper playoff push. However, the 2024/25 season took a sharp turn, marked by a coaching change, a significant trade involving De’Aaron Fox, and a losing record. This current season has been even more challenging, with the Kings currently holding a 12-35 record and far from playoff contention.
While DeRozan isn't actively demanding a trade, the 36-year-old veteran candidly expressed his desire to play in more impactful games, especially given the limited number of seasons he believes he has left in the NBA. "For me, it’s not like I’m playing another 10 years, so you definitely want to maximize your time and give everything you’ve got left to playing for something," DeRozan shared. "I don’t think that part of it is a secret, whether it’s here or wherever."
DeRozan has experienced three team changes throughout his NBA journey, two of which involved sign-and-trade deals and one a standard trade. Interestingly, he has never been part of a mid-season transaction. This season, however, such a move is a distinct possibility. The Kings appear to be looking towards the future and are reportedly open to listening to offers for most of their veteran players, including DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Malik Monk.
"When things ain’t going right, that’s what happens," DeRozan remarked regarding the trade rumors. "When you’re not winning, that’s what happens. It just comes with the game. You’ve still got to go out there, do your job and compete. We’ve still got to separate that part of it, still have a love for the game and still go out there and compete."
But here's where it gets interesting... Even in his 17th NBA season, DeRozan remains a potent offensive force, averaging 18.8 points per game with impressive shooting splits of .506 from the field, .351 from three-point range, and .870 from the free-throw line. These percentages are notably higher than his career averages.
And this is the part most people miss... While his offensive contributions are undeniable, questions have persistently surrounded DeRozan's defensive capabilities. Furthermore, his contract includes a $10MM partial guarantee for the 2026/27 season, which could somewhat limit a team's financial flexibility. These factors might present challenges for the Kings in securing a trade offer that truly excites them for the veteran wing.
As DeRozan awaits potential movement before the February 5 trade deadline, he remains committed to contributing to Sacramento's efforts to improve their standing. "I think everybody understands you want to have an opportunity to compete, an opportunity to win, but you have to go about the situation the right way," he told The Sacramento Bee. "Granted, it’s tough right now. Nobody wishes to have this record we have, but I’ve always been the one to stick through the hard times. It’s always easy to say you want to be in a better situation, but you’ve got to deal with the cards that are dealt and make the best out of them."
What do you think? Is DeMar DeRozan's desire for contention understandable, or should he focus on fulfilling his contract? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
