Sacramento Kings veteran forward DeMar DeRozan is increasingly seen as a likely buyout candidate following the February 2026 trade deadline, according to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated. Interest in moving DeRozan ahead of the deadline was limited, and the Kings may now explore a buyout to reshape their roster.
DeRozan, 36, is in the second year of a three-year, $73.7 million deal and has averaged 19.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists over 51 games this season. Sacramento currently sits last in the Western Conference at 12–39, highlighting the franchise’s shift toward a longer-term rebuild.
Zach LaVine, 30, and Domantas Sabonis, 29, also remain on the trade radar. Mannix reports that the Kings are unlikely to move LaVine before the offseason if he exercises his player option, while interest in Sabonis could result in a salary dump rather than a full trade. Sabonis is averaging 15.4 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 18 games this season.
The Kings recently acquired forward De’Andre Hunter in a three-team trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Bulls. Hunter, 28, joins Sacramento’s wing rotation alongside LaVine and DeRozan after averaging 14.0 points and 4.2 rebounds in 43 games for Cleveland. The trade also sent Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis to Cleveland.
Sacramento’s frontcourt now includes Sabonis, Keegan Murray, and Maxime Raynaud, with Sabonis leading the team in rebounds at 11.2 per game.
DeRozan’s experience and scoring ability make him a high-value option for teams seeking a veteran presence. A buyout would allow Sacramento to clear salary while giving DeRozan flexibility to join a contender in the second half of the season.
The Kings’ current struggles have intensified discussions around roster flexibility, salary management, and potential future draft assets. Mannix notes that while moving DeRozan could be more feasible than LaVine, the franchise is weighing the timing and financial implications carefully.
Sacramento remains active in exploring all avenues to improve its roster, with DeRozan’s buyout status likely to draw attention from playoff teams seeking a proven scorer for the stretch run.
