The Sacramento Kings are expected to waive and stretch veteran forward DeMar DeRozan, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, creating a significant change in the team’s roster direction. The Los Angeles Clippers are expected to show interest in DeRozan once he becomes available.
DeRozan, 36, is entering the final season of a three-year, $73.7 million contract and is scheduled to earn $25.7 million in 2026-27. By using the stretch provision, Sacramento would reduce his immediate cap hit by spreading the remaining salary over multiple seasons, giving the franchise additional flexibility as it rebuilds around younger pieces.
The move comes after a difficult 2025-26 season for the Kings, who finished 22-60 and missed the playoffs. Sacramento entered the offseason with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and selected guard Darius Acuff Jr. from Arkansas, signaling a focus on developing a younger core.
DeRozan remained one of Sacramento’s most productive players despite the team’s struggles. He appeared in 77 games and averaged 18.4 points, 4.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds in 31.2 minutes per game. He shot 49.7% from the field and 86.8% from the free-throw line while continuing to rely heavily on his midrange scoring and isolation creation.
However, DeRozan’s profile has become more complicated for a team looking to transition. He made only 0.6 three-pointers per game on 1.9 attempts, shooting 32.0% from beyond the arc. His limited spacing impact and age made his contract more difficult to fit alongside Sacramento’s longer-term plans.
The Kings also have several younger players needing larger roles. Center Maxime Raynaud averaged 12.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in 74 games during his rookie season, while Keegan Murray, Malik Monk and Devin Carter remain part of Sacramento’s next core group. Sacramento’s roster shift could also open additional minutes for younger wings and forwards.
For DeRozan, a move to the Clippers would reunite him with a contender looking for additional half-court scoring. Los Angeles finished 42-40 and reached the Play-In Tournament in the Western Conference, needing more consistent offensive creation around its established veterans.
