Shams: Kings waiving DeMar DeRozan

The writing has been on the wall for quite some time that the Kings want to kick-start their rebuild by moving on from a few veteran players. With Zach LaVine opting into the final year of a deal that will pay him over $49 million, it will be easier financially for Sacramento to move on from DeRozan, either via trade or the waive-and-stretch provision. According to Iko’s report, DeRozan expects the latter to happen. Only $10 million of his 2026-27 contract is guaranteed, so spreading that money over three years would not significantly damage the Kings’ finances. DeRozan turns 37 next month, but in the right situation he can still provide solid middle-round value in standard fantasy leagues.

The three veterans won’t be available for Sunday’s season finale. The absences of DeRozan, Westbrook and Monk have benefited Devin Carter, Nique Clifford and Daeqwon Plowden. That will remain the case on Sunday, with Carter coming off a 29-point effort in Friday’s win over the Warriors.

DeRozan has been ruled out after he was initially listed as questionable with a sore right hamstring. Daeqwon Plowden started the last time DeRozan missed a game and could move into the starting lineup again with the 36-year-old shooting guard sidelined.

DeRozan missed a game with the same hamstring issue about a week before this, and there is a chance he misses another. Daeqwon Plowden started that game in his stead and would likely occupy that role again if DeRozan is unavailable.

DeRozan had a fairly quiet Friday night from a production standpoint. He fell way below his season average in points, which is understandable given he only played 23 minutes. But even in his limited time, he was one of Sacramento’s best passers on a night when the offense scored a lot of points. DeRozan was impactful in his minutes, but the fantasy production didn’t follow.

DeRozan’s 12 free throws were the most he’s attempted in a game since March 15, when he put up 21 attempts in a win over the Jazz. Also, Wednesday’s game was the first in which he’s made multiple three-pointers since January 6, so fantasy managers will be pleased with that bonus. The Kings don’t have a back-to-back to worry about for their final two games of Week 23. Hopefully, that means DeRozan is guaranteed to be on the court playing starters’ minutes.

DeRozan is back after sitting out Sunday’s loss to the Nets. His return means that Daeqwon Plowden will come off the bench. Malik Monk is also available after sitting out in Brooklyn, but he will come off the bench since Clifford is healthy.

DeRozan and Monk will return after both players sat out Sunday’s matchup with the Nets. Nique Clifford and Devin Carter could see their roles reduced with DeRozan and Monk back in action.

DeRozan will sit out Sunday’s game with a sore hamstring, with this being the Kings’ second game in as many days. Nique Clifford is available, but Saturday’s loss to the Hawks was his first game back from a foot injury. While the rookie may have more opportunities on offense, his playing time may not increase much.

While veterans on some other lottery-bound teams have seen their minutes limited recently or been shut down altogether, DeRozan continues to plug along. His 22 points led seven Kings in double figures, and he’s totaled 55 in his last two games. Sacramento plays once more in Week 22, as they visit the Nets on Sunday. If DeRozan plays his usual minutes, that could be an excellent matchup for him.