DeMar DeRozan buyout rumors continue to gain momentum as the Sacramento Kings move closer to parting ways with the veteran forward, according to NBA Insider Jake Fischer. The Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, and Toronto Raptors are potential landing spots for him.
DeRozan averaged 18.4 points per game on 49.7% FG, 2.9 rebounds per game, 4.1 assists per game, and one steal per game in the 2025-26 NBA season. Only $10 million of his expiring deal is guaranteed, and he is open to taking a veteran minimum with a contender. A Kings buyout would make DeRozan one of the biggest names available during NBA free agency.
DeRozan to the Warriors is the most obvious choice. He has also been on the franchise’s radar. DeRozan could prefer to stay in California. He can even start until Jimmy Butler is 100% healthy while he is recovering from his torn ACL.
Golden State’s situation entering the season is that they need a secondary scorer, and he can provide that. DeRozan is not Butler, but he has a great mid-range, a trait we have seen work really well with Stephen Curry’s three-point firepower. Their hypothetical starting lineup would be Curry, De’Anthony Melton, DeRozan, Draymond Green, and Kristaps Porzingis.
DeRozan could be another target for the Heat if bought out or waived, according to Miami Herald reporter Anthony Chiang. The Heat need perimeter scoring and playmaking, and he could help fill that need.
This would be a good addition if DeRozan is willing to take a lesser role. While he is not much defensively or a three-point shooter, he will bring solid scoring and playmaking. Their hypothetical starting lineup would be Davion Mitchell, Tim Hardaway Jr. (sharpshooter), Andrew Wiggins, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Bam Adebayo.
DeRozan would fill the Jaime Jaquez Jr. role perfectly and give Miami possibly the highest-scoring bench trio in NBA history. Last season, DeRozan averaged 22 PPG, Bobby Portis Jr. averaged 14 PPG on the Milwaukee Bucks, and Hardaway Jr. averaged 14 PPG on the Denver Nuggets. They wouldn’t score as much, given how deep the Heat are, but it shows how talented all three are.
DeRozan would bring veteran leadership to the Lakers. They wanted to get him in 2022 after LeBron James requested it. He and DeRozan had dinners to close the deal, but GM Rob Pelinka didn’t want to acquire a player on a three-year contract and denied the sign-and-trade. LeBron, then, pushed for Russell Westbrook because he was on a two-year contract, like Pelinka wanted.
Luka Dončić and DeRozan are a mixed fit. He could be a secondary shot-creator to relieve pressure off Doncic. The lack of spacing that DeRozan provides will allow defenses to pack the paint. Defensively, the duo lacks versatility.
The Raptors could be a fascinating landing spot if DeRozan reaches a buyout with the Kings. After being traded for Kawhi Leonard years ago, he could finally play alongside Leonard in Toronto, while Kyle Lowry’s one-day retirement contract adds to the reunion.
The Raptors are clearly all in to contend this season, and DeRozan is most likely looking to go to a team he can play out the end of his career with. This is an opportunity to have a full-circle moment, a storybook ending for DeRozan.
The Raptors can bring him in to be a spark plug for scoring off their bench, backing up Leonard at the forward spot. Their hypothetical starting lineup would be Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Kawhi, Scottie Barnes, and Jakob Poeltl. Toronto still loves DeRozan and would welcome him back with open arms.
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DeRozan’s story with Sacramento could come to an end in the coming days. If the deal is finalized, he would become a free agent and could join a new team.
As a free agent, DeRozan would undoubtedly attract interest: an experienced scorer capable of creating his own shot and contributing in the half-court. The Kings buyout of DeRozan could reshape the NBA contender landscape.
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