DeMar DeRozan, Sabonis Trades Reportedly Could Be Explored by Kings amid NBA Rumors

The Sacramento Kings could consider dismantling their core after parting ways with De'Aaron Fox during a disappointing 2024-25 campaign.

According to Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee, the Kings "are expected to explore trades for DeMar DeRozan" this offseason.

The Kings "could also test the market for Domantas Sabonis," Anderson reported.

DeRozan has two years and about $49.5 million remaining on his contract, according to Spotrac. He averaged 22.2 points while making a career-high 1.1 three-pointers per game last season.

The 35-year-old finished the campaign having recorded 47.7 percent shooting from the field and 32.8 from deep while contributing 3.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game.

Sabonis, who led the league with a career-high 13.9 rebounds per game while averaging 19.1 points on 59 percent shooting (41.7 percent from deep) last season, has three years and $136 million left on his own deal.

The campaign marked the third straight season in which the 29-year-old has paced the NBA in rebounds.

NBA insider Jake Fischer previously reported in May that the Kings were "expected to gauge the trade market" for DeRozan.

Fischer and Mark Stein then reported last week that DeRozan is "widely perceived" to be available in a trade, and that some teams see him as a "fallback" option if they miss out on other targets.

Now that former Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant has been taken off the trade market following his move to the Houston Rockets, teams who missed out on Durant could potentially consider adding DeRozan.

Sabonis could meanwhile potentially seek a change of scenery if he is unhappy with the direction of his franchise.

The three-time All-Star told reporters following the Kings' play-in loss to the Dallas Mavericks that he wanted "to know what's going to happen" with the team, and The Athletic's Sam Amick and Anthony Slater reported he is "expected to seek clarity about the organization's plan in the offseason."

If Sabonis doesn't like the Kings' odds of staying competitive after parting ways with Fox and potentially seeking a new spot for DeRozan, he could potentially push for a trade of his own.

HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported earlier this month that "rival executives are monitoring whether Sabonis will eventually request a trade."

Fischer reported on Tuesday that the Kings are also "inviting offers" for Malik Monk and Devin Carter.

Two players the team isn't interested in parting ways with are Keegan Murray and Keon Ellis, according to a recent report from Anderson.

Anderson wrote that both players "are generating strong trade interest, but the Kings would be reluctant to part with either player given their age, versatility and defensive abilities."

If the Kings ultimately part ways with either or both of DeRozan and Sabonis this summer, 2022 No. 2 draft pick Murray and undrafted free agent Ellis could potentially form the young core the Kings will look to build around as they rebuild.