Ranking the top 3 DeMar DeRozan trade destinations as Kings combust

ByNBAUSA



The Sacramento Kings is only 12 games into the season, but alarm bells are already ringing in California’s capital. Their hastily assembled The “Big Three” of Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan has blown out of the gate, dragging the team to a disappointing 3-9 record and offering little evidence that the trio’s skill sets can co-exist.

DeRozan and LaVine have already failed as Chicago’s primary wing duo, and adding Sabonis, who needs the ball, elbow touches and offensive orchestration, only made the fit more unprepared.

At 36 years old and with an expiring contract, DeRozan is the most logical first domino to fall. And the irony is that he actually plays well. In 12 games, he’s averaging 19.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, shooting 48.6% from the field and an eyebrow-raising 40% from deep, an area long considered his Achilles’ heel.

DeRozan continues to be one of the league’s elite mid-range shot creators, an expert on the foul and a stabilizing presence in clutch moments.

But the Kings don’t need stabilization; they need a reset.

The market for 36-year-olds on expiring contracts isn’t huge, and teams may be hesitant to commit to actual rental assets unless they believe he can turn a playoff run around. Still, there are real scenarios that make sense for contender-level (and some fringe) teams that could use DeRozan’s scoring, half-court creation and veteran leadership.

Here are the top three trade destinations for DeMar DeRozan if Sacramento finally accepts reality and starts tearing this thing down.

Philadelphia 76ers – The perfect half court pressure valve

The Philadelphia 76ers are once again relying heavily on Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, and as Mackey took another leapThe Sixers still lack a third steady shot maker, especially in the half court when things get stuck against an elite playoff defense. DeRozan immediately solves this problem.

Nick Nurse values ​​players who can get to their spots, play through contact and break down defenses without relying solely on speed or athleticism. DeRozan’s methodical footwork and scoring elbows would fit nicely alongside Embiid’s post-gravity and Maxey’s pace.

It’s not the flashiest destination, but it feels like pure basketball, and DeRozan gives Philly a shutdown receiver they can trust.

Miami – The biggest thermal culture trade ever

If there’s one franchise that can be coaxed into getting the absolute last drop of elite production out of the veteran shooter, it’s the Miami Heat. Erik Spoelstra has a long track record of maximizing late-career stars: Kyle Lowry, Kevin Love, and even Victor Oladipo for stretches.

The Heat are in desperate need of another on-ball creator. Andrew Wiggins is 30 years old and coasting selectively in the regular season; Tyler Herro is great but injury prone; Bam Adebayo is not a self-made goalscorer. DeRozan instantly becomes their second best initiator in the half game and is a deadly closer in tight games.

Miami is in the middle of the offensive and still too dependent on Norman Powell’s help. Spoelstra could envision DeRozan in similar actions he once used with Dwyane Wade, isolations in empty corners, sliding screens into elbow touches and smart post-splits.

A trade centered on Terry Rozier’s contract plus a young piece could end that. The Heat would gain a reliable scorer for the postseason, and DeRozan’s relentless mid-range game is a perfect fit for Miami’s slow, bruising style.

If there’s one locker room that would welcome him with open arms, it’s Miami.

Los Angeles Lakers – “Finally” the move everyone has been waiting for

It’s almost too perfect, but the Lakers are undoubtedly the most logical destination for DeMar DeRozan.

They’ve been experimenting with playing wing DeRozan for years, flirting with acquiring him multiple times, but never getting the deal done. Now, with LeBron James still defying the clock at 40 and Luka Doncic needing a reliable third scoring option, the Lakers need someone who can give them 15-20 points without having to create LeBron and Reaves.

DeRozan is doing just that.

He would immediately become the Lakers’ second most reliable perimeter scorer, providing the accurate shooting that they have lacked in three straight postseasons. His the ability to steady non-LeBron minutes is invaluable, and could lead other units the way DeRozan once was in Chicago and Toronto.

A salary cap match is possible with Jarred Vanderbilt and a pick, or a combination of depth players if the Kings prefer a more flexible tool.

And for DeRozan personally? I’m coming home to play in Los Angeles, closing out games with LeBron and Doncic, and making a real shot at the ring, this is a move that makes too much sense to ignore.

Where will DeRozan go?

The Kings’ experiment with a big three is burning out quickly, and DeMar DeRozan is by far the most mobile star in their trio. At 36 years old, with an expiring contract, and still producing at a high level, he’s the perfect short-term upgrade for a candidate looking to stabilize his half-court offense.

Philadelphia, Miami and the Lakers offer strong combinations, in basketball terms, in terms of roles and culture. And when Sacramento finally admits this season is slipping away, expect DeRozan to be one of the first veterans on the move as the Kings transition from retooling to rebuilding.





2025-11-14 06:43:00

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