DeMar DeRozan has officially parted ways with the Sacramento Kings. The team released the six-time All-Star, showing mutual agreement on the decision to separate. DeRozan now enters the market as an unrestricted free agent.
Speculation has pointed to various teams as potential suitors. The Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, and Toronto Raptors are among those reportedly interested. However, the Los Angeles Lakers have excluded themselves from the race, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. Despite DeRozan’s Southern California roots and connections with the Lakers’ front office, they aren’t considered a landing spot.
Born in Southern California, DeRozan rose to prominence at Compton High School, where he earned McDonald’s All-American honors. He chose to stay local for college, excelling at USC. The Raptors selected him ninth overall in the 2009 NBA Draft.
Over his nearly two-decade NBA career, DeRozan has excelled as a mid-range scorer. In the previous season with the Kings, he averaged 18.4 points, 4.1 assists, and shot 49.7% from the floor across 77 games. He turns 37 this August. Despite numerous accolades, including six All-Star selections and three All-NBA honors, an NBA championship remains elusive for him. He holds franchise scoring records with the Raptors and ranks 16th on the NBA’s all-time list with 26,711 points.
With the Lakers not pursuing him, DeRozan could fit well with the Miami Heat. The Heat recently acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo, though at the cost of key players such as Tyler Herro. The Warriors could also vie for his talent to support Steph Curry and Draymond Green during their championship pursuits. Additionally, the Clippers might express interest.
Returning to the Toronto Raptors seems a logical choice. They traded for Kawhi Leonard and anticipate a potential return of Kyle Lowry, who shared a strong bond with DeRozan. The Raptors plan a press conference with a special guest, sparking speculation of DeRozan rejoining his initial team. The prospect of uniting Lowry and DeRozan one last time, especially where DeRozan began his NBA career, seems promising.