Sacramento Kings Likely To Buy Out Veteran After The Trade Deadline

The Sacramento Kings have already made one trade ahead of the 2026 NBA trade deadline, and now, it appears as though they're ready to make some more. In their one deal, they moved young guard Keon Ellis, and according to reports, they're happy and open to moving many of the veterans remaining on this struggling team.

One of those players is DeMar DeRozan, and despite having the hefty contract with $24.57 and $25.74 million remaining on his two years, there's been some interest around the league in the veteran scorer. However, if the team can't come to a deal to move him, there has now been reports that they are set to buy him out, meaning that it's more likely than not that he won't be on the team in the coming weeks, one way or another.

“Keon Ellis may not be the only Kings player on the move. Sacramento has not had much success generating interest in veteran wings Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. DeRozan is a strong candidate to be bought out after the deadline while the Kings will likely try again to move LaVine in the offseason.”

This season, the 36-year old is averaging 19 points, 4 assists and 3 rebounds per game, and while he's not the threat that he once was, he can still get it done at a very high level.

Ultimately, DeRozan's tenure in Sacramento has been disappointing as a team, and as of right now, all signs are pointing towards him being on a new team in the coming weeks.