The Sacramento DeMar DeRozan to the Kings made one of the most surprising moves of 2024 NBA free agency by signing six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan to a 3-year, $90 million contract. After narrowly missing the playoffs last season, the Kings are betting big that the 34-year-old veteran can help them return to postseason contention in the loaded Western Conference.
But does adding DeMar DeRozan to the Kings actually move the needle for Sacramento? Or is this another questionable move by a franchise with a long history of misguided signings?
In this 1,200+ word deep dive, we analyze:
✔ Why DeRozan chose the Kings
✔ How he fits with De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis
✔ The Kings’ revamped roster for 2024-25
✔ Biggest threats in the Western Conference
✔ Realistic expectations for Sacramento this season
Why Did DeMar DeRozan to the Kings?
After spending the past three seasons with the Chicago Bulls, DeRozan had several suitors in free agency, including the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers. So why did he ultimately choose Sacramento?
1. A Clear Starting Role and Offensive Freedom
The Kings offered DeRozan something other contenders couldn’t: a guaranteed starting spot and primary offensive role alongside Fox and Sabonis. At this stage of his career, DeRozan wanted a situation where he could still be a featured scorer rather than take a backseat to established superstars.
2. The Mike Brown Factor
Kings head coach Mike Brown played a major role in recruiting DeRozan. Brown emphasized how the veteran’s mid-range mastery and playmaking would perfectly complement Sacramento’s uptempo system. According to NBA NewsZ, Brown personally called DeRozan multiple times during free agency to sell him on the Kings’ vision.
3. The Biggest Contract Offer
While Miami and L.A. were only willing to offer short-term deals, Sacramento put $90 million guaranteed on the table. For a 34-year-old, this was likely his last chance at a significant payday.
“I believe in what they’re building here. Playing with Fox and Sabonis, we can do something special.”
— DeMar DeRozan
How Does DeRozan Fit With Fox and Sabonis?
On paper, Sacramento’s new “Big Three” has potential, but there are legitimate questions about fit:
✅ The Good: Offensive Firepower
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De’Aaron Fox (26.8 PPG in 2023-24) remains one of the NBA’s most explosive guards
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Domantas Sabonis (19.4 PPG, 13.7 RPG) is a walking double-double
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DeRozan (24.0 PPG last season) adds elite shot creation and clutch scoring
✅ Veteran Leadership
DeRozan brings 14 years of experience to a Kings team that has lacked playoff-tested veterans. His presence should help in close games.
❌ The Concerns: Defense and Spacing
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Poor Three-Point Shooting: DeRozan (29% from 3 last year) doesn’t solve Sacramento’s spacing issues
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Defensive Limitations: The Fox/DeRozan backcourt could be a liability against quicker guards
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Ball Dominance: Both Fox and DeRozan need the ball in their hands to be effective
DeMar DeRozan to the Kings’ Revamped 2024-25 Roster
Beyond DeRozan, Sacramento made several other moves:
Key Additions:
✔ DeMar DeRozan (Primary scorer)
✔ Malik Monk (Re-signed, 6th Man of the Year candidate)
✔ Chris Duarte (3-and-D wing)
Returning Core:
✔ De’Aaron Fox (All-Star caliber PG)
✔ Domantas Sabonis (Elite passing big man)
✔ Keegan Murray (Emerging two-way forward)
Biggest Loss:
✖ Harrison Barnes (Signed with Thunder) – His floor spacing will be missed
Biggest Threats in the Western Conference
Sacramento faces a brutal path to the playoffs in a loaded West:
1. Denver Nuggets
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Reigning MVP Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray lead the defending champs
2. Dallas Mavericks
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Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving now paired with Klay Thompson
3. Oklahoma City Thunder
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander headlines the NBA’s best young core
4-12: Phoenix, Lakers, Warriors, Pelicans, Clippers, Grizzlies, Rockets, Spurs
Will the Kings Make the Playoffs in 2025?
Reasons for Optimism
✔ Elite offensive trio (Fox, Sabonis, DeRozan)
✔ Improved clutch scoring (DeRozan’s specialty)
✔ Continuity (Core has played together for years)
Potential Pitfalls
✖ Defensive concerns
✖ Lack of three-point shooting
✖ Tough Western Conference competition
Final Prediction
The Kings will be in the play-in tournament mix (7-10 seed range), but a top-6 finish seems unlikely unless multiple teams ahead of them underperform.
For more NBA analysis, visit NBA NewsZ.
Conclusion
The Kings took a big swing by signing DeMar DeRozan to the Kings, but whether it pays off remains to be seen. While he addresses their need for veteran scoring and clutch play, his defensive limitations and poor three-point shooting could exacerbate existing flaws.
Sacramento fans should expect a competitive team that fights for a playoff spot, but true contention likely requires another move.
Stay updated on all NBA free agency news at NBA NewsZ.
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