Wizards Reportedly Have Interest In DeMar DeRozan

The Wizards haven’t won more than 18 games in any of the past three seasons, but as Charania observes, they’re looking to become more competitive in 2026/27 with a roster led by Trae Young, Anthony Davis, and AJ Dybantsa, each of whom has joined the team since January.

Washington currently has 14 players on standard contracts, which leaves the 15th spot on the projected regular season roster open for DeRozan or another player. While many teams around the NBA have tax or apron issues that will prevent them from carrying a full 15-man squad into opening night, that shouldn’t be an issue for the Wizards, who are still roughly $11MM below the luxury tax line. The club also has its full non-taxpayer mid-level exception available and could use a portion of it to offer DeRozan more than the veteran’s minimum.

DeRozan, who was waived by the Kings earlier this month, appeared in 77 games in 2025/26, averaging 18.4 points, 2.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 31.2 minutes per night.

A 17-year veteran, DeRozan will turn 37 in August and has never been an elite defender or three-point shooter. However, he has been one of the league’s most durable and productive scorers for much of his career, excelling from the mid-range and consistently getting to the free throw line (6.5 career attempts per game). The six-time All-Star ranks 16th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.

Detroit and Toronto were among the other teams connected to DeRozan earlier in his free agency, though there hasn’t been as much chatter about either of them as of late. Golden State has also been cited as a possible suitor, but the Warriors may not be able to make a compelling offer, given their cap limitations.