
Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images
DeMar DeRozan listed the Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and Miami Heat as “legitimate” options for him as a free agent before ultimately choosing the Sacramento Kings.
DeRozan, 35, who recently completed a three-year stint with the Chicago Bulls, made the remarks to 76ers star Paul George on Podcast P with Paul George Presented by Wave Sports + Entertainment (1:19).
DeRozan told George he was “looking for an opportunity to win at a high level.” He said the Kings have “great players” and a “great coach,” but he also highlighted the organization’s winning mentality and fan support. Specifically, he noted how the team would light a bright purple beam over the Golden 1 Center skyline after victories.
George said the Kings have a “movement” going on, and DeRozan agreed, saying he wants to be a part of it. He also said he can bring leadership and skill sets to put the Kings “over the top.”
DeRozan is certainly capable of doing just that. He excelled last year with 24.0 points on 48.0% shooting, 5.3 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game.
Sacramento looks good on paper with a new big three of DeRozan, De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis leading the way and with Mike Brown at the helm of head coaching.
The Kings ended a 16-year playoff streak in 2022-23 and won 46 games in 2023-24 before losing in the play-in tournament. With DeRozan on board, the Kings look like a legitimate playoff contender again and perhaps even a team that could challenge for the top spot in the Western Conference as well.
DeRozan’s first game in town will be Oct. 24 at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves.