2026 Free Agency Report: Kings release All-Star guard DeMar DeRozan
Sacramento is reportedly moving on from guard DeMar DeRozan, who will become an unrestricted free agent after the waiver process.
From NBA.com News Services
Updated on July 6, 2026 7:22 PM
In 2025-26, DeMar DeRozan averaged 18.4 ppg in 77 games for the Kings.
The Sacramento Kings are reportedly releasing six-time All-Star guard DeMar DeRozan. Per veteran NBA reporter Chris Haynes, the Kings are cutting ties with DeRozan and, in doing so, will make him a surprise addition to the 2026 free agent class. DeRozan has played 17 seasons — the last two with Sacramento — and was an All-Star in 2022-23 with the Chicago Bulls.
Sacramento Kings are releasing DeMar DeRozan, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent, league sources tell me. pic.twitter.com/CcXZuUbTPF — Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 6, 2026
Last season, DeRozan delivered his usual consistent scoring, averaging 18.4 points while also adding 2.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1 steal per game. He shot 49.7% overall and 32% on 3-pointers while remaining one of the game’s better clutch performers, ranking No. 19 in total clutch points scored. In 2025-26, DeRozan passed Dominique Wilkins (26,668) and Oscar Robertson (26,710) on the all-time scoring list and needs 236 points (26,711) to pass Hakeem Olajuwon (26,946) for No. 15 in scoring.
Despite his performance and accolades last season, the Kings finished tied for the worst record in the Western Conference (22-60) and missed the playoffs for the third straight season. DeRozan has played for four teams (Toronto, San Antonio, Chicago and Sacramento) in his career and last made an All-NBA team in 2021-22 when he was with the Bulls.
Sacramento had a league-worst 12-46 record in mid-February following a 16-game losing streak. The team showed some life late in the season, going 10-14 the rest of the way. The 60 losses for Sacramento are the second-most in franchise history, behind the 65 the team had in 2008-09.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
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