In a major shakeup in the NBA, free agent guard DeMar DeRozan has been traded from the Chicago Bulls to the Sacramento Kings in a three-team sign-and-trade deal. The Kings acquired DeRozan on a three-year, $74 million contract, while sending forward Harrison Barnes and an unprotected 2031 pick swap to the San Antonio Spurs. The Bulls received guard Chris Duarte, two second-round draft picks, and cash considerations in return for DeRozan.
The Kings were reportedly pursuing DeRozan to partner with All-Star guard De'Aaron Fox, All-Star center Domantas Sabonis, and promising young forward Keegan Murray in a bid to become a more explosive offensive team in the Western Conference. DeRozan, who finished second to Stephen Curry in voting for the NBA's 2024 Clutch Player of the Year Award, is coming off an impressive three-year scoring run with the Bulls and brings valuable experience and leadership to Sacramento.
The Spurs acquired Barnes, who averaged 12.2 points and three rebounds for the Kings in 2023-24, to join free agent arrival Chris Paul alongside unanimous Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama. The Bulls will take Barnes into their remaining cap space to make the deal work.
Duarte, who averaged 3.9 points in 59 games last season for the Kings, was traded to Chicago as part of the deal.
The addition of DeRozan will push the Kings near the NBA luxury tax threshold for the 2024-25 season. However, they still have an extremely valuable asset in the non-taxpayer mid-level exception that could attract potential free agents still on the market.
DeRozan, a three-time All-NBA selection and ninth pick in the 2009 NBA draft by the Toronto Raptors, has averaged 21.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists through his 1,110 career NBA games.
The Bulls are reshaping their roster this offseason with younger players after letting DeRozan walk for little compensation. They have acquired Josh Giddey, draft pick Matas Buzelis, and Indiana Pacer backup center Jalen Smith, all under 25 years old. They also re-signed forward Patrick Williams.
The Kings' pursuit of DeRozan marks a significant step for the franchise as they aim to compete in the Western Conference. The addition of DeRozan, along with Fox, Sabonis, and Murray, could make Sacramento a formidable team next season.