DeMar DeRozan hitting free agency after being waived by Kings

Sacramento Kings guard DeMar DeRozan. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

DeMar DeRozan hitting free agency after being waived by Kings

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Jul 6, 2026 2:57 PM ET

One of the NBA's most respected veterans is suddenly available after a surprise move Monday afternoon.

DeMar DeRozan is being waived

According to a report from NBA insider Shams Charania, 17-year veteran DeMar DeRozan is being waived by the Sacramento Kings after failing to find a possible trade partner.

DeRozan was acquired by the Kings prior to the 2024-25 season and will finish his two seasons there having appeared in 154 of 164 possible games, as well as being a veteran leader and mentor for a young Sacramento team.

DeRozan had a partial guarantee on his contract for next season, but he and Sacramento worked on his release Monday to allow him to find a new home. Multiple contenders are expected to have interest in the veteran guard. https://t.co/MDy3g1WI13
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 6, 2026

Where is the production level at?

DeRozan averaged 18.4 points per game last season, his lowest in a single season since 2012-13, his fourth NBA season. DeRozan was, though, sharing the floor with top-notch scorer Zach LaVine for part of the season, a reason for his decrease in scoring.

DeRozan also averaged just 31.2 minutes per game, his lowest total since his rookie season in 2009-10 when he averaged 21.6 minutes per game.

Where does the veteran land?

As Charania noted, several contenders are expected to pursue DeRozan, likely for what would be a bench role. DeRozan has started in every game he's played in since his rookie season.

It will be intriguing to see where DeRozan lands and how he'd potentially be able to adapt to a role in his 18th season that he hasn't been in since his first season in the NBA.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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