Sarr and Coulibaly paired with the 16th all-time leading scorer in NBA history?
Jan 14, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard DeMar DeRozan (10) celebrates after a basket during the third quarter against the New York Knicks at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
The DeMar DeRozan situation is heating up. According to Shams Charania, the Wizards have had “a few conversations” with the forward, who has been a free agent since parting ways with the Kings. This surprising new destination adds to an already long list of suitors.
ESPN first reported on Monday that “Miami, Denver and Cleveland are among the teams interested in DeMar DeRozan.” The following day, Washington emerged as a fourth serious player in the mix, further complicating the equation for the player who will turn 37 on August 7.
The Wizards are reportedly interested in DeMar DeRozan, as both sides have recently held discussions. (ESPN) pic.twitter.com/nwrCqTHnhx
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 28, 2026
A profile that remains appealing despite his age
The numbers speak for themselves. This past season with Sacramento, DeRozan averaged 18.4 points over 77 starts, shooting 49.7% from the field, with 4.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds in 31.2 minutes per game. His 26,711 career points place him 16th on the all-time scoring list in NBA history. With seventeen seasons split between Toronto, San Antonio, Chicago and Sacramento, the veteran provides plenty of offensive reliability.
His mid-range scoring profile, capable of producing without much support, is drawing interest from franchises with serious ambitions. “Miami and Cleveland have title-contending ambitions in the Eastern Conference, which is why they are trying to act quickly,” Charania noted. One detail that could carry some weight: DeRozan and Harden are childhood friends, which could tip the scales toward the Cavs.
Washington, a credible dark horse with financial leverage
The Wizards have an ambitious project. After a dismal 17-65 season, the capital city franchise is rebuilding around Trae Young, Anthony Davis, and especially the first overall draft pick, A.J. Dybantsa. Washington still has a roster spot available, roughly $11.5 million in luxury tax space, as well as the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception, valued at around $15 million. These are concrete arguments to persuade DeRozan to join Bilal Coulibaly and Alexandre Sarr.
REPORT: The Wizards have held conversations with free agent DeMar DeRozan.
“You think about a team that’s clearly trying to compete around Anthony Davis, Trae Young and AJ Dybantsa.”
Washington has ~11M in luxury tax space and the full nontaxpayer MLE. pic.twitter.com/T3gBJZiQcy
— Greg Finberg (@GregFinberg) July 28, 2026
His potential fit in the rotation does remain an open question. With several wings already on the roster, the offensive pecking order would likely be shaken up. In Cleveland, the issue is different: DeRozan has never been a reliable three-point shooter, while Kenny Atkinson’s system prioritizes perimeter shooters above all else. Denver has the advantage of offering a competitive environment but cannot match the financial offers from other franchises. Ultimately, Miami could offer the former Raptor an appealing role.
The DeRozan market is far from settled. Four teams, a variety of arguments, and a player who, on the eve of turning 37, clearly still has what it takes to make an impact in a playoff rotation.
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