Video: Kings' DeMar DeRozan Says Lakers, Clippers, 76ers, Heat Were Options in FA

DeMar DeRozan listed the Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and Miami Heat as "legitimate" options for him in free agency before he eventually chose the Sacramento Kings.

The 35-year-old, who just finished a three-year stint with the Chicago Bulls, made the remarks to 76ers star Paul George on Podcast P with Paul George:

DeRozan said he was "looking for an opportunity to win at a high level."

He said the Kings have "great players" and a "great coach" but also noted the organization's winning mentality and the fans' support. More specifically, he noticed how the team lights a sharp purple beam above the Golden 1 Center sky after wins.

George said the Kings have a "movement" going, and DeRozan agreed, saying he wanted to be a part of it. He also said he could bring things from a leadership and skills standpoint to put the Kings "over the edge."

DeRozan can certainly do just that. He excelled last year with 24.0 points on 48.0 percent shooting, 5.3 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game.

Sacramento looks great on paper with a new big three of DeRozan, De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis leading the way and Mike Brown as head coach.

The Kings broke a 16-year streak outside the playoffs in 2022-23 and won 46 games in 2023-24 before falling in the Play-In Tournament. With DeRozan aboard, they look like a legitimate playoff contender once again and perhaps a team that could even fight for first in the Western Conference too.

Game 1 with DeRozan in town will be Oct. 24 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.