The Sacramento Kings are enduring one of their most difficult seasons in franchise history, sitting at the bottom of the NBA standings with a 14-47 record that reflects a campaign filled with challenges and disappointment. As the organization navigates through what appears to be another rebuilding phase, attention has increasingly focused on the veteran players who find themselves in the twilight of their careers on a team going nowhere. Chief among them is DeMar DeRozan, the 36-year-old six-time All-Star whose professionalism and productivity have stood out amid the chaos.
When the trade deadline came and went without any movement involving Sacramento's veteran core, speculation naturally shifted to the buyout market as a potential escape route. For players like DeRozan and fellow veteran Russell Westbrook, who are both nearing the end of their distinguished careers, the prospect of spending a season's final months on the league's worst team is far from ideal. The buyout option represents a pathway to joining a playoff contender and potentially competing for the championship that has eluded them throughout their careers.
DeRozan's on-court performance this season makes a compelling case for why contenders would covet his services. He has been a model of durability, appearing in all 61 games without a single absence. His statistical line—18.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game—demonstrates he remains a capable offensive weapon. More impressive is his efficiency: 49.2% shooting from the field and 33.3% from three-point range, numbers that defy the typical decline associated with players in their mid-thirties. Recently, DeRozan etched his name further into NBA history by ascending to 20th place on the league's all-time scoring list, passing legends and cementing his legacy as one of the most prolific scorers of his generation.
Despite these accomplishments, the Kings' front office has maintained a firm stance against buyout discussions. According to respected NBA insider Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, Sacramento has shown zero interest in buying out any veteran players this season. The organization views DeRozan's presence as invaluable during this transitional period, particularly his leadership and mentorship of younger teammates who represent the franchise's future.
Siegel's reporting reveals a critical dynamic: the burden of initiating buyout conversations falls squarely on DeRozan's shoulders. "DeRozan shares the same reality as Middleton in the sense that if he wants a buyout, he will need to be the one to initiate such conversations," Siegel wrote. "The Kings have shown no interest in buying out any of their veteran players this season, and they have valued DeRozan's leadership as the organization navigates yet another rebuilding or retooling stage."
The insider added that DeRozan has not approached management to request such negotiations, creating a standoff that appears increasingly unlikely to resolve. This mutual silence speaks volumes about the complexities involved in these decisions. For the Kings, retaining DeRozan means maintaining a professional standard and providing a role model for their developing core. For DeRozan, the decision to request a buyout involves balancing competitive aspirations against financial realities and professional loyalty.
The March 1 deadline looms large over this entire situation. This date represents the NBA's cutoff for players to be bought out or waived while remaining eligible to sign with another team and participate in the postseason. With the deadline now just days away, the window for action is rapidly closing. The absence of any reported discussions between DeRozan and the Kings' front office suggests that no movement is imminent, making it probable that the veteran will remain in Sacramento through season's end.
Should the unlikely occur and a buyout agreement be reached, the basketball world widely expects DeRozan to land with one of the two Los Angeles franchises. Siegel's reporting confirms that DeRozan's representatives explored potential pathways to both the Lakers and Clippers around the trade deadline, though those conversations never materialized into serious negotiations. The geographic and personal connections make this scenario particularly compelling—DeRozan is a Compton native who has long expressed his desire to finish his career in Los Angeles.
The Lakers present an intriguing fit for DeRozan's skill set. While Los Angeles has built its roster around three-point shooting, defensive versatility, and the brilliance of LeBron James, DeRozan's mid-range mastery and isolation scoring could provide a different dimension in playoff situations. When games slow down and half-court execution becomes paramount, having a veteran who can create his own shot and generate offense without relying on spacing becomes invaluable. DeRozan's ability to draw fouls and convert in clutch moments would give the Lakers another reliable option beyond their current stars.
The Clippers, meanwhile, could deploy DeRozan as either a sixth-man scoring punch or a complementary starter alongside Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. His experience in high-pressure situations and his professional approach would fit seamlessly into a locker room filled with veterans chasing their first championship. The Clippers' depth would allow DeRozan to play a more measured role, potentially preserving his body for the postseason while still contributing meaningful minutes.
The financial mathematics of a potential buyout add another layer of complexity. DeRozan is earning approximately $27 million this season, a substantial commitment for any franchise. In typical buyout scenarios, players agree to leave a portion of that money on the table, with the original team paying the negotiated amount and removing the full cap hit from their books. For Sacramento, the question becomes whether the financial savings outweigh the intangible benefits of DeRozan's presence.
The Kings' young core—including players like Keegan Murray, Davion Mitchell, and their recent lottery picks—requires guidance from established professionals who understand NBA life. DeRozan's daily example of preparation, work ethic, and consistent production serves as a masterclass for these developing talents. His mentorship extends beyond the court, helping younger players navigate the mental and emotional challenges of a difficult season.
This veteran leadership argument represents the cornerstone of Sacramento's position. Rebuilding teams often struggle to maintain professional standards when losses pile up. Having a respected veteran who continues to compete, prepare properly, and represent the organization professionally can prevent the development of losing habits among younger players. DeRozan's perfect attendance record this season, despite the team's record, exemplifies the type of character that front offices value during rebuilding periods.
From DeRozan's perspective, the decision to remain silent on buyout requests likely involves multiple considerations. While the competitive drive to chase a championship is powerful, the financial implications of leaving millions on the table cannot be ignored. Additionally, players often develop strong bonds with teammates and communities, making mid-season departures emotionally challenging. DeRozan's professional approach suggests he values honoring his contractual commitments without creating public drama.
The broader NBA ecosystem has also begun questioning the buyout market's fairness. Small-market franchises and some league executives argue that the current system allows large-market contenders to essentially "game the system" by acquiring veteran talent they couldn't otherwise afford. The Kings might be making a principled stand about contractual integrity, demonstrating that they won't simply release valuable players because the season hasn't gone as planned.
As the deadline approaches, the practical realities make a buyout increasingly improbable. The Kings would need to negotiate a financial settlement that satisfies both parties, DeRozan would need to accept less than his full salary, and all parties would need to agree on terms within a compressed timeframe. The absence of any preliminary discussions suggests these conversations aren't happening behind closed doors either.
For DeRozan, the focus must shift to finishing the season professionally and preparing for what could be his final major contract negotiation this summer. At 36 years old, he faces a critical decision: prioritize chasing a championship with a contender on a potentially smaller contract, or secure one final substantial payday that recognizes his continued productivity. His performance this season—particularly his durability and scoring efficiency—demonstrates he still has valuable basketball left to play.
The Kings, meanwhile, will continue their delicate balancing act between development and professionalism. While the wins haven't materialized, the organization's handling of this situation suggests a long-term vision that prioritizes culture and growth over short-term convenience. Whether that approach ultimately accelerates their rebuilding process or simply prolongs their stay in the lottery remains to be seen.
In the end, the most likely scenario has DeRozan remaining a King through season's end, providing leadership and scoring while mentoring the next generation. While this outcome may disappoint fans hoping to see him compete for a championship, it reinforces the organization's commitment to its rebuilding process and appreciation for veteran influence. For DeMar DeRozan, the journey continues in Sacramento, even as the basketball world speculates about what might have been.