TL;DR: The Sacramento Kings shocked the NBA by waiving veteran All-Star DeMar DeRozan on July 5, 2026, making him an immediate unrestricted free agent. DeRozan, who joined the Kings in the summer of 2024, reportedly sought a faster exit from Sacramento as the franchise pivots toward a younger roster. Multiple contending teams are expected to pursue the six-time All-Star, who averaged over 20 points per game during his Kings tenure.

DeRozan Shockingly Cut by Kings, Set to Enter Free Agency

The Sacramento Kings made one of the most surprising roster moves of the 2026 NBA offseason by waiving DeMar DeRozan on July 5, 2026. The former six-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection is now an unrestricted free agent, and several teams across the league are reportedly monitoring his availability closely. According to ESPN, the decision came after DeRozan and the Kings organization mutually agreed that a parting of ways was in the best interest of both parties.

Quick Answer

The Sacramento Kings waived DeMar DeRozan on July 5, 2026, making him an unrestricted free agent. DeRozan, 36, had been with the Kings since signing as a free agent in July 2024. Reports from multiple outlets indicate DeRozan wanted to accelerate his departure, and the Kings agreed to release him as part of a broader roster rebuild focused on developing younger talent around their core players.

What Happened Between DeRozan and the Kings?

DeRozan’s tenure in Sacramento was productive but ultimately short-lived. After signing a three-year, $74 million deal with the Kings in the summer of 2024, the veteran wing averaged approximately 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists per game across parts of two seasons. However, internal tensions reportedly grew during the 2025–26 season as Sacramento’s direction shifted toward youth development.

According to reporting from A Royal Pain, DeRozan expressed a desire to “speed up his exit” from the Kings. Sources close to the situation indicated that the veteran forward recognized the franchise’s pivot toward younger players and wanted an opportunity to compete for a championship elsewhere rather than serve as a mentor on a rebuilding team.

Why Did the Kings Waive DeRozan?

The Kings’ decision to waive DeRozan reflects a broader organizational shift in Sacramento. After hiring a new coaching staff and front office leadership, the franchise committed to building around younger core players. DeRozan’s age (36) and substantial contract made him a natural candidate for a buyout or release as the team restructured its roster.

Sacramento’s front office reportedly explored trade options for months before ultimately deciding that a straight waiver was the cleanest path forward. By releasing DeRozan, the Kings open up significant salary cap flexibility and roster spots for the 2026 draft class and free agent additions who better fit the team’s long-term timeline.

Key Factors Behind the Decision

• Roster timeline: The Kings prioritized younger players who align with a multi-year rebuild
• Salary cap relief: Waiving DeRozan clears substantial cap space for future signings
• Mutual agreement: Both sides reportedly recognized the situation was not working long-term
• Trade market limitations: No trade partners materialized with acceptable return value
• Player preference: DeRozan wanted to join a contender, and the Kings honored that request

DeRozan Free Agency: Which Teams Are Interested?

Multiple contending franchises are expected to pursue DeRozan as a free agent. Despite being 36 years old, the veteran wing remains one of the most skilled mid-range scorers in NBA history and proved during his Kings tenure that he can still produce at a high level. According to league sources, the following teams have expressed preliminary interest in signing DeRozan:

Team	Why DeRozan Fits	Likelihood
Golden State Warriors	Need scoring depth alongside core players; veteran presence	High
Miami Heat	Historical affinity for veteran wings; playoff contender	Medium-High
Los Angeles Lakers	Limited offensive options; need reliable second scorer	Medium
New York Knicks	Strong roster needs scoring depth for deep playoff run	Medium
Philadelphia 76ers	Veteran wing scoring alongside young core	Medium

What Is DeMar DeRozan’s NBA Legacy?

DeMar DeRozan has built one of the most decorated careers in modern NBA history. Selected ninth overall by the Toronto Raptors in the 2009 NBA Draft, DeRozan developed into a perennial All-Star and the franchise’s all-time leading scorer during his nine seasons in Toronto. He earned six All-Star selections, two All-NBA Second Team honors, and one All-NBA Third Team selection over the course of his career.

After stints with the Toronto Raptors, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, and Sacramento Kings, DeRozan has accumulated over 22,000 career points. He ranks among the top 30 scorers in NBA history and is widely regarded as one of the greatest mid-range shooters of his generation. His ability to create shots from the mid-post area made him a matchup nightmare throughout his prime years.

Key Takeaways

• The Sacramento Kings waived DeMar DeRozan on July 5, 2026, making him an unrestricted free agent immediately
• DeRozan, 36, averaged roughly 22 points per game during his tenure with Sacramento but wanted to join a championship contender
• The Kings’ decision is part of a broader roster rebuild focused on younger players and long-term development
• Multiple contending teams, including the Warriors, Heat, and Knicks, are expected to pursue DeRozan in free agency
• DeRozan’s legacy includes 22,000+ career points, six All-Star appearances, and status as one of the greatest mid-range scorers in league history

How Does This Impact the Kings’ Roster?

The Kings now face the task of replacing DeRozan’s production while simultaneously accelerating their rebuild. Sacramento’s front office has signaled that the roster spots and cap space freed by DeRozan’s release will be used to develop younger talent and potentially add complementary pieces through free agency and trade. The franchise holds valuable draft capital and is positioned to make several key additions during the 2026 offseason.

For Sacramento, the 2026 NBA Summer League and training camp will be critical periods for evaluating which young players can step into expanded roles. The Kings’ coaching staff has already identified internal candidates who could absorb the minutes previously allocated to DeRozan, including several promising players from the team’s recent draft classes.

Will DeRozan Sign with a Title Contender?

At 36 years old, DeRozan is motivated primarily by one goal: winning an NBA championship. Despite his prolific individual career, DeRozan has never appeared in the NBA Finals. Multiple reports indicate that joining a legitimate title contender is his top priority in free agency, and he is willing to accept a reduced role and salary to achieve that objective.

The Warriors represent the most intriguing option, as Golden State continues to build a competitive roster around its established core. DeRozan’s mid-range scoring ability and veteran leadership would complement the Warriors’ offensive system, and his playoff experience would be a valuable asset during postseason runs. For more information, see our guide on 2026 NBA free agency rankings and team salary cap breakdowns.

Conclusion

The Sacramento Kings’ decision to waive DeMar DeRozan sent shockwaves through the NBA and reshaped the 2026 free agent market. DeRozan, one of the most accomplished scorers of his generation, now has the freedom to join any team in the league as an unrestricted free agent. The Kings’ move signals a full commitment to their rebuild, while DeRozan’s next chapter promises to be one of the most closely watched storylines of the offseason. With several championship contenders reportedly interested, DeRozan’s decision will have ripple effects across the entire NBA landscape for years to come.

Final Verdict

DeMar DeRozan’s release from the Sacramento Kings marks a turning point for both the player and the franchise. The Kings gain critical flexibility for their rebuild, while DeRozan gets the chance to pursue the championship that has eluded him throughout a decorated 17-year NBA career. According to industry projections, DeRozan is expected to make his free agency decision within the first two weeks of July 2026, with the Warriors, Heat, and Knicks emerging as frontrunners. This move stands as one of the most significant developments of the 2026 NBA offseason and will continue to shape league dynamics throughout the summer and into the 2026–27 season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Kings cut DeMar DeRozan?

The Kings waived DeRozan as part of a broader roster rebuild focused on developing younger players. Internal reports indicate both sides mutually agreed the arrangement was no longer a long-term fit, with DeRozan wanting to join a contender and the Kings prioritizing youth development.

Is DeMar DeRozan a free agent after being waived by the Kings?

Yes, DeRozan became an unrestricted free agent immediately upon being waived by the Sacramento Kings on July 5, 2026. He is free to sign with any NBA team without restrictions.

How old is DeMar DeRozan in 2026?

DeMar DeRozan was born on August 7, 1989, making him 36 years old as of July 2026. He is entering the later stages of his NBA career but continues to produce at a high statistical level.

What teams are interested in signing DeRozan?

According to league sources, the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, and Philadelphia 76ers have all expressed interest in signing DeRozan. The Warriors are considered the frontrunners as of early July 2026.

How many career points does DeMar DeRozan have?

DeMar DeRozan has accumulated over 22,000 career points across his NBA tenure with the Toronto Raptors, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, and Sacramento Kings. He ranks among the top 30 all-time scorers in NBA history.

Has DeMar DeRozan ever won an NBA championship?

No, DeMar DeRozan has never won an NBA championship or appeared in the NBA Finals despite a career that includes six All-Star selections and over 22,000 career points. Winning a title is reportedly his primary motivation for choosing his next team.

What was DeRozan’s contract with the Kings?

DeRozan signed a three-year, approximately $74 million contract with the Sacramento Kings in the summer of 2024. By waiving him in July 2026, the Kings absorbed the remaining portion of that deal to gain cap flexibility.

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