Kings Release DeRozan in Stunning Move

Updated July 6, 2026 6 min read

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Kings Release DeMar DeRozan in Stunning Move, Sending Veteran to Free Agency

TL;DR: The Sacramento Kings waived DeMar DeRozan on July 5, 2026, in a stunning roster move that sends the six-time All-Star to free agency. After a brief and turbulent tenure in Sacramento, DeRozan reportedly pushed for an accelerated exit, and the Kings obliged. Multiple contending teams are now expected to pursue the veteran scorer heading into the 2026 NBA free agency period.

Quick Answer: The Sacramento Kings waived DeMar DeRozan on July 5, 2026, releasing the veteran guard from his contract and making him an unrestricted free agent. DeRozan had reportedly sought a faster path out of Sacramento, and the Kings agreed to part ways, clearing roster and financial flexibility for their offseason plans.

What Happened Between the Kings and DeMar DeRozan?

The Sacramento Kings officially waived DeMar DeRozan on July 5, 2026, ending his tenure with the franchise after less than a full season. ESPN confirmed the move, which immediately made DeRozan an unrestricted free agent. According to reports from A Royal Pain, a Kings-focused outlet, DeRozan had been actively seeking to speed up his exit from Sacramento before the organization made the final decision.

The move shocked fans and analysts alike, as DeRozan had been one of the Kings’ marquee acquisitions in recent years. However, behind the scenes, the relationship between player and franchise had deteriorated to the point where both sides agreed separation was the best path forward.

Why Did the Kings Waive DeRozan Instead of Trading Him?

Waiving a player of DeRozan’s caliber without receiving any assets in return is a significant decision, and several factors likely contributed to the Kings’ choice. First, trade value for an aging veteran on a substantial contract may have been limited. Second, DeRozan’s desire for a rapid exit could have complicated trade negotiations, as other teams may have been reluctant to give up assets for a player who might not re-sign long-term.

The Kings’ front office likely calculated that the financial flexibility gained from waiving DeRozan outweighed whatever minimal return they could have received in a trade. By clearing his salary, Sacramento gains more room to pursue younger talent and reshape its roster heading into the 2026-27 NBA season.

DeMar DeRozan’s Stats and Career Overview

DeMar DeRozan remains one of the most prolific scorers of his generation. A six-time NBA All-Star and four-time All-NBA selection, DeRozan has accumulated over 22,000 career points across stints with the Toronto Raptors, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, and Los Angeles Lakers before joining the Kings.

Category	Details
Full Name	DeMar Durrell DeRozan
Position	Shooting Guard / Small Forward
Draft Year	2009 (9th overall pick, Toronto Raptors)
Career Teams	Raptors, Spurs, Bulls, Lakers, Kings
All-Star Selections	6
All-NBA Selections	4
Career Points	22,000+
Age (July 2026)	37

DeRozan is widely regarded as one of the greatest mid-range scorers in NBA history. His ability to create his own shot from the mid-post and elbow areas made him a matchup nightmare for most defenders throughout his prime years.

Which Teams Could Sign DeRozan in Free Agency?

With DeRozan now a free agent, several NBA teams with championship aspirations could pursue the veteran. Contenders looking for a reliable scoring option off the bench or a veteran presence in the locker room will likely express interest. Teams with cap space and a need for experienced wing scoring are the most logical fits.

Los Angeles Lakers — DeRozan has previous ties to the franchise and could return in a reduced role
Golden State Warriors — As noted in recent ESPN schedules, the Warriors remain active in the offseason market
Chicago Bulls — A reunion with the team where he had his most recent All-Star-caliber seasons
San Antonio Spurs — DeRozan thrived under Gregg Popovich previously, and a mentorship role could appeal
Dark horse contenders — Multiple teams chasing a title could use DeRozan’s scoring punch in limited minutes

According to Sports Illustrated’s Kings free agency tracker, Sacramento is already exploring options to replace the production and veteran leadership DeRozan provided. The Kings’ focus appears to be shifting toward younger, more versatile players who better align with their long-term timeline.

What Does This Mean for the Sacramento Kings?

For the Kings, releasing DeRozan signals a clear shift in organizational direction. Sacramento appears committed to a youth movement and roster flexibility rather than relying on aging stars. This approach could pay dividends if the franchise drafts or develops impact players who fit a modern, pace-and-space system.

The immediate financial implications are substantial. Waiving DeRozan frees up significant salary cap space that the Kings can deploy in free agency or absorb via trade. Sacramento’s front office now has the flexibility to make multiple moves this summer rather than being locked into a single high-priced veteran’s contract.

Key Takeaways

The Sacramento Kings waived DeMar DeRozan on July 5, 2026, making him an unrestricted free agent
DeRozan reportedly requested an accelerated exit from Sacramento before the Kings granted the release
The move gives the Kings financial flexibility and signals a shift toward a younger roster build
Multiple contending NBA teams are expected to pursue DeRozan as a veteran scoring option
DeRozan’s career includes six All-Star appearances and over 22,000 points across five franchises

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Kings release DeMar DeRozan?

The Kings waived DeMar DeRozan because both the player and the organization agreed the partnership was no longer working. DeRozan reportedly wanted to accelerate his departure from Sacramento, and the Kings determined that clearing his salary provided more strategic value than any potential trade return.

Is DeMar DeRozan retiring after being waived by the Kings?

As of July 6, 2026, DeMar DeRozan has not announced any retirement plans. He is expected to explore free agency opportunities with contending teams looking for veteran scoring and leadership. At 37 years old, DeRozan can still contribute meaningful minutes to an NBA roster.

Can another NBA team sign DeRozan immediately?

Yes. Because DeRozan was waived rather than having his contract expire, he is an unrestricted free agent immediately upon clearing waivers. Any team with available roster spots and financial flexibility can sign him without restriction.

How does waiving DeRozan affect the Kings’ salary cap?

Waiving DeRozan removes his salary from the Kings’ books, though the team may still carry a portion of dead money depending on the structure of his remaining contract. The move primarily gives Sacramento more flexibility to pursue free agents, execute trades, and build around its younger core.

What are the Kings likely to do with the cap space freed by DeRozan’s release?

The Kings are expected to target younger players who align with their long-term rebuild. According to Sports Illustrated’s Kings free agency tracker, Sacramento is exploring both free agency additions and trade opportunities to reshape its roster around its emerging young talent.

Where could DeRozan land in free agency?

Potential suitors include the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls, and San Antonio Spurs — all teams with connections to DeRozan’s career or clear needs for veteran scoring. Contending teams seeking a reliable mid-range scorer and experienced locker room presence are the most likely destinations.

Conclusion

The Kings’ decision to waive DeMar DeRozan marks one of the most unexpected moves of the 2026 NBA offseason. After a short-lived and disappointing stint in Sacramento, the six-time All-Star is back on the open market with multiple teams expected to express interest. For the Kings, the release represents a strategic pivot toward youth development and financial flexibility. For DeRozan, it presents an opportunity to join a contender and chase the postseason success that has eluded him throughout his illustrious career. The Kings release of DeRozan in this stunning move will undoubtedly reshape both Sacramento’s roster and the broader NBA free agency landscape heading into the 2026-27 season.