As speculation looms over trade possibilities, the Sacramento Kings find themselves under scrutiny following a challenging start to the 2025-26 NBA season. Just a month in, the Kings’ star forward DeMar DeRozan has reportedly caught the attention of the Los Angeles Clippers as they seek additional scoring options amidst a rocky start to their campaign.
According to a recent report by Sam Amick from The Athletic, the Clippers have shown “some interest” in acquiring the 36-year-old DeRozan. Sacramento brought DeRozan into their roster during the offseason of 2024 through a sign-and-trade deal involving the San Antonio Spurs and the Chicago Bulls. Following a tough initial year in Sacramento, DeRozan expressed determination to improve in his second season. Unfortunately, the team’s performance thus far has been disappointing, with the Kings sitting at a dismal 4-13 record, just above the last-place New Orleans Pelicans in the competitive Western Conference.
DeRozan has not shied away from addressing the team’s struggles, candidly describing the current state of the Kings as “s—-y,” especially after their eighth consecutive loss. Despite the challenges, DeRozan is averaging 17.9 points per game with a shooting percentage of 49.5%, alongside 3.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists in nearly 33 minutes of play.
The Clippers, currently at 5-12, are on the lookout for a scoring boost to alleviate the pressure on James Harden, particularly following the season-ending injury to Bradley Beal and uncertainty surrounding Kawhi Leonard’s availability. DeRozan, who has a partial guarantee on his contract for the 2026-27 season, could offer the scoring ability the Clippers need, particularly with his roots in Compton, California, making the prospect of a return to his hometown intriguing.
As trade season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring developments concerning DeRozan and the Kings, hoping for a turnaround that could lift the team out of the current slump. The coming months will be crucial for both teams as they navigate challenges and potential opportunities in this unpredictable NBA season.