Did DeMar DeRozan hint at a trade desire with a “not my decision” declaration?

Nothing went right for the Sacramento Kings for the start of the 2025-26 NBA season. After trading De’Aaron Fox last season and entering the year with several former All-Stars on the roster, as DeMar DeRozanZach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis and Russell Westbrook, there was hope that the Kings could hang on.

That was not the case, and after a 115-107 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday night, the Kings now sit at 5-16 overall, near the bottom of the NBA standings.

Frustrations have already begun to set in for Sacramento and their stars and DeRozan let this be known with his thoughts on where he and the team are.

“Putting one foot in front of the next. Keep moving forward,” DeRozan said in response to what he’s solely focused on right now, via Sactown Sports 1140. “It’s easy to think about the negative. (and) be frustrated, but you’ve got to worry about the next game and try to win one game at a time.”

While this sounds like a veteran leader willing to do what it takes to help his team succeed, DeRozan’s next response to the question of whether a change was “necessary” is what raised some eyebrows.

“I mean, it’s not up to me,” DeRozan replied about the possibility of a change. “You know, my job is to come in here, do whatever it takes, (and) try to get us a win, you know? That’s all I can control.”

DeRozan has heard his name come up in trade rumors lately, and he has multiple reports link the most to the Los Angeles Clipperss. So could several other teams around the league are starting to show trade interest in the veteran as the holiday season approaches, especially given his contract.

Unlike most All-Star talents who make $40 million or more, DeRozan’s cap hit for the 2025-26 NBA season is just $24.75 million, which will allow more teams to explore adding him.

From the Kings’ perspective, it may make a lot of sense to trade the 36-year-old.

Ultimately, this team just isn’t what new GM Scott Perry expected it to be, and it’s hard to imagine DeRozan being a part of the organization’s long-term future plans.

Between now and the trade deadline, it’s still looking increasingly likely that DeRozan will be on the move, and his comments about how the organization could be on the brink of change further cement his mindset that he likely wants a fresh start.

In 21 games this season with the Kings, DeRozan is averaging 18.4 points, 3.6 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game while shooting 49.6 percent from the floor. He’s still known around the league as one of the best mid-range shooters, which is why he could provide immediate value to a playoff contending team.