Updated

Updated · Bleacher Report · Jul 6

Kings Waive DeMar DeRozan to Ease $25.7 Million Cap Hit as LaVine Locks In $49 Million

Updated

Updated · Bleacher Report · Jul 6

Kings Waive DeMar DeRozan to Ease $25.7 Million Cap Hit as LaVine Locks In $49 Million

Q: Waived by the Kings, will DeRozan now take a huge pay cut to chase his first NBA championship?

Yes. All signs point to DeMar DeRozan taking a steep pay cut to join a contender after Sacramento waived him. The key reason is market reality. DeRozan was released because his $25.7 million cap number was too heavy for a rebuilding Kings team, and reports indicate rival teams viewed that contract as difficult to absorb. Now that he is a free agent, contenders can pursue him at a much lower price without taking on that full salary. There is also a strong basketball incentive. DeRozan turns 37 in August, has never won a title, and is coming off a 22-60 season in Sacramento. At this stage, the chance to play meaningful postseason games likely matters more than maximizing one more payday. Reports tied to his release say he would consider signing for the veteran minimum, and that his next deal is widely expected to come in well below the $25.7 million he had been due. He still has value. DeRozan averaged 18.4 points on nearly 50% shooting in 77 games last season and remains one of the league’s most durable scorers. That makes him attractive to playoff teams looking for a secondary or bench scorer, even if his limited three-point shooting can complicate fit. The most likely outcome is not a large multiyear contract, but a short, low-cost deal with a contender. Teams such as the Clippers, Heat, Lakers and others are expected to have interest, especially if they miss on bigger stars.

3 articles · Updated · Bleacher Report · Jul 6

$25.7 million in 2026-27 salary came off Sacramento’s books Monday when the Kings waived DeMar DeRozan after a failed trade, ending his two-season stint.
$10 million of that deal was guaranteed, and stretching it over future seasons could help the Kings after Zach LaVine exercised his $49 million player option.
$13 million over the first luxury-tax apron, Sacramento was already hovering near the punitive second apron, making DeRozan a cap casualty despite his 18.4 points per game in 77 outings.
Los Angeles and Miami have been linked as possible landing spots for DeRozan, while the Kings’ 22-60 finish and earlier De’Aaron Fox trade deepen questions about whether a full rebuild is next.