Kings and Bulls Explore DeMar DeRozan Sign-and-Trade with Spurs as Facilitators

DeMar DeRozan may be finding out the next team he will play with for the 2024-25 season very soon.

According to NBA correspondent Marc Stein, the Sacramento Kings have emerged as strong suitors for the veteran wing in a potential three-team trade. The Kings are keen on adding DeRozan via a sign-and-trade, with the Chicago Bulls open to the deal on the condition that a third team is involved to absorb some salary.

The San Antonio Spurs have shown willingness to facilitate the two teams in this transaction, should Chicago and Sacramento agree to the terms they set for one another.

DeRozan and his representatives are scheduled to meet with the Kings in Sacramento to hear their recruiting pitch, as reported by TNT Sports and Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes. This meeting could significantly impact DeRozan's decision, given his impressive career and the potential fit with the Kings.

DeRozan, turning 35 on Aug. 7, has had prolific 15-year career in the NBA. He is a six-time All-Star and three-time All-NBA selection, with career averages of 21.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and a steal per game.

In his recent stint with Chicago, DeRozan continued to demonstrate his value, averaging 24 points, 5.3 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game last season. Additionally, he finished second in the NBA Clutch Player of the Year Award voting.

The Kings, looking to bolster their roster with a third star to complement De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, view DeRozan as a prime candidate. Sacramento had a solid season last year with a 46-36 record but missed the playoffs after losing to New Orleans in the Play-In Tournament for the eight and last spot in the Western Conference.

Sacramento made the playoffs the previous year, ending a 16-year postseason drought with a 48-34 mark. Adding DeRozan could significantly enhance their chances of a deeper playoff run.

Assuming DeRozan commands a salary close to the $27.3 million average annual salary from his previous contract, the Kings would likely need to part with at least one of Harrison Barnes or Kevin Huerter in a sign-and-trade. Barnes and Huerter are set to earn $18 million and $16.8 million, respectively, next season.

Even if one of the players are moved, the kings would retain a strong roster, headlined by Fox, Sabonis, DeRozan, Malik Monk, and Keegan Murray.

While it remains uncertain if this lineup would make the Kings championship contenders, the team would certainly be competitive in the deep and balanced Western Conference. The Kings have not advanced past the first round of the playhoffs since 2004, but a core trio of Fox, Sabonis, and DeRozan could potentially change the team's postseason fortunes.

The Next steps in these trade discussions and the meeting between DeRozan and the Kings will be crucial in determining whether Sacramento can secure the veteran star, potentially setting them up for a big playoff push in the upcoming season.

Related: Miami Heat Engage in Trade Talks to Stay Under Salary Cap While Eyeing Key Acquisitions