NBA Trade Deadline: DeMar DeRozan Heading Toward Buyout with Kings
DeMar DeRozan could reach the buyout market, with league sources citing limited interest in the 36-year-old forward.
Jan 27, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Sacramento Kings guard DeMar DeRozan (10) controls the ball against New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Photo Credit : © Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Even if the Sacramento Kings fail to find a trade partner for DeMar DeRozan before Thursday’s deadline, it’s possible that the six-time All-Star may not remain with the team for the rest of this season.
According to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, DeRozan is currently not generating much trade interest and is considered a « strong » buyout candidate after the deadline. There haven’t been many rumors surrounding a potential trade involving DeRozan.
Unsuccessful Negotiations with Portland and the Clippers
Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported on January 31 that at one point, Sacramento had approached the Portland Trail Blazers for a potential DeRozan-for-Jrue Holiday trade, but it never gained traction.
In the same report, Siegel noted that the Kings had discussions with the Los Angeles Clippers earlier this season regarding a package including DeRozan and Keon Ellis together in a deal that didn’t materialize. Ellis was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers this week in a three-team deal also involving the Chicago Bulls.
DeMar DeRozan is a « strong candidate » to agree to a buyout with the Kings after the trade deadline, per @SIChrisMannix.
I can see the Lakers and Clippers being very interested if he hits free agency. pic.twitter.com/3CvsCVVvLx
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 4, 2026
A buyout for DeRozan would be very costly for the Kings. He is under contract through next season with salaries of $24.6 million in 2025-2026 and $25.7 million in 2026-2027.
DeRozan had joined the Kings via a three-year, $74 million sign-and-trade in July 2024. He has been one of the franchise’s few bright spots during his two seasons in Sacramento. The 36-year-old is averaging 19.2 points on 50.6% shooting in 51 starts this season. He could be a useful rotation piece for a playoff contender late in the season if he ultimately agrees to a buyout with the Kings.
Commentaires