Overview
- DeMar DeRozan was waived by the Sacramento Kings on July 6 and collected the $10 million partial guarantee from his expiring $25.7 million deal.
- Multiple contenders including the Miami Heat, Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers and Washington Wizards have shown interest, with most reports identifying Miami as the frontrunner.
- Denver’s odds have weakened after adding Lonnie Walker IV and remaining constrained by the league’s second apron, which limits the team’s ability to sign veteran free agents.
- Miami can offer championship upside but faces a hard-cap and a spacing trade-off that makes DeRozan more likely to be considered for a sixth-man role than a starter.
- DeRozan is a durable, 17-year veteran and six-time All-Star who averaged 18.4 points and started every game he played last season, and his decision will hinge on whether he will accept a reduced role to chase a title.