The Sacramento Kings have recently been active with roster changes ahead of the trade deadline, acquiring De’Andre Hunter from the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder. Despite these moves, the team has confirmed there are no intentions to buy out veteran guard DeMar DeRozan’s contract, clarifying ongoing speculation. This commitment keeps DeRozan, a key figure for the Kings, in Sacramento as they navigate a challenging season.
Insider Reports on DeRozan’s Contract Status
NBA insider Brett Siegel has stated that the Kings have no current plans to buy out DeRozan or any other veterans on the roster. Leading up to the deadline, Anthony Slater from The Athletic also indicated a buyout for DeRozan was unlikely.
The Kings have no plan to buy out DeMar DeRozan if he’s still on the team after the trade deadline, per sources. DeRozan is owed $25.7 million next season, but only $10 million is guaranteed,
Slater wrote on X.
DeRozan’s presence on the team stems from a summer 2024 three-team sign-and-trade deal. Since entering the NBA in 2009 as the ninth overall pick by the Toronto Raptors, he has delivered strong performances. This season, DeRozan has averaged 18.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, with an efficient 50.1% shooting field percentage over 54 games, playing about 32.7 minutes each contest.
Trade Rumors Surrounding Domantas Sabonis and Future Moves
In addition to quieting expectations about DeRozan, the Kings faced rumors about potential trades involving Domantas Sabonis. NBA insider Jake Fischer clarified Sabonis would remain with Sacramento following the trade deadline. However, Brett Siegel suggested there could be a deal involving Sabonis and the Toronto Raptors this summer around the NBA Draft.
I do think that we will maybe see a Sabonis, Toronto Raptors deal in the summer near the NBA Draft,
Siegel wrote on X.
Sabonis, who is sidelined with a lower back injury, was averaging 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game before being sidelined. His status will be a key factor in Summer trade considerations.
Current Team Challenges and Outlook
The Kings are enduring a difficult season, presently holding a 12-42 record and positioned at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. With playoff chances diminishing and even the play-in tournament seeming improbable, the organization faces pressure to determine its strategic path forward. The front office’s upcoming decisions will be critical in shaping the team’s near-term future and addressing unmet expectations.
Sacramento will not buy out DeMar DeRozan or any other veteran’s contract, per @brettsiegelNBA.
The Kings are paying $156 million this year to Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, Malik Monk, and DeAndre Hunter… they have 12 wins this season. (h/t @IsaacLHarris) pic.twitter.com/53A0CFeEQ1
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 6, 2026
The Kings have no plan to buy out DeMar DeRozan if he’s still on the team after the trade deadline, per sources.
DeRozan is owed $25.7 million next season, but only $10 million is guaranteed.https://t.co/VxvtDgESrk
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 4, 2026
. @BrettSiegelNBA on Domantas Sabonis' future with the Kings on "Clutch Scoops":
"I do think that we will maybe see a Sabonis, Toronto Raptors deal in the summer near the NBA Draft." https://t.co/9WgrBiH8ko pic.twitter.com/KS3lWgzh6c
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 5, 2026
