Kings Veteran DeMar DeRozan Faces Tough Decision Amid Trade Rumors

The 36-year-old All-Star is weighing his future with the struggling Sacramento franchise.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:57am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form representing the complexities of DeRozan's situation with the struggling Sacramento Kings.A cubist interpretation of the challenges facing veteran NBA star DeMar DeRozan as he navigates trade rumors and his team's struggles.Today in Sacramento

Sacramento Kings veteran DeMar DeRozan is facing a difficult decision as the team continues to struggle, with the 36-year-old All-Star considering whether to stay and fight for a turnaround or seek a trade to a contending team in the twilight of his career. DeRozan has been candid about his desire to play meaningful games, but his contract situation and the team's poor performance this season have complicated matters.

Why it matters

DeRozan's situation highlights the challenges veteran players face when their teams are in rebuilding mode. As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the fate of DeRozan and the Kings will be closely watched, as the decision could have significant implications for the franchise's future and DeRozan's own legacy.

The details

DeRozan joined the Kings in 2024, hoping to build on their recent success. However, the 2024/25 season was a rollercoaster, marked by a coaching change and the trade of De'Aaron Fox, leaving the team with a sub-par record. This season, the Kings have sunk further, starting with a dismal 12-35 record, far from playoff contention. DeRozan, a four-time NBA All-Star, isn't demanding a trade, but he's candid about his desire to play meaningful games in the twilight of his career. His contract includes a partial guarantee for the 2026/27 season, which could complicate potential trades.

  • DeRozan joined the Kings in 2024.
  • The 2024/25 season was a rollercoaster for the Kings, with a coaching change and the trade of De'Aaron Fox.
  • This season, the Kings have started with a 12-35 record.

The players

DeMar DeRozan

A 36-year-old veteran player and four-time NBA All-Star who joined the Sacramento Kings in 2024, hoping to build on their recent success.

De'Aaron Fox

A former Kings player who was traded during the 2024/25 season, leaving the team with a sub-par record.

Zach LaVine

A Kings player who has been mentioned in trade rumors alongside DeRozan and Malik Monk.

Malik Monk

A Kings player who has been mentioned in trade rumors alongside DeRozan and Zach LaVine.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not demanding a trade, but I'm candid about my desire to play meaningful games in the twilight of my career.”

— DeMar DeRozan, Kings Player

What’s next

As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the fate of DeRozan and the Kings hangs in the balance. The team will need to decide whether to try to turn their season around or explore trade options for DeRozan and other players.

The takeaway

DeRozan's situation highlights the challenges veteran players face when their teams are struggling, as they must balance their desire to compete for a championship with the realities of the NBA business. The Kings' decision on DeRozan's future could have significant implications for the franchise's direction and the veteran's own legacy.