DeMar DeRozan Calls Out Kings: We're In A 'Sh---y' Place

This isn't what DeMar DeRozan signed up for, is it? When he inked a free agent sign-and-trade deal with the Sacramento Kings in 2024 for three years, $74 million, he thought he was coming to a team with All-Stars like De'Aaron Fox (since traded) and Domantas Sabonis, a team just one year removed from a 3-seed and looking like a decent playoff challenger in the Western Conference.

That's how it started. But that's not how it's going. After dropping six games in the standings last season down to a losing record (40-42), they're now right near the very bottom of the entire NBA with a 3-13 record. And DeRozan is not a happy camper. He has called out the team and the situation they find themselves in — in no uncertain terms, as told to Chris Biderman of the Sacramento Bee.

We're in a sh--y place (emotionally). I think it's just everything right now for us is just sh--y, honestly. Sometimes when you're in the deep end, it's hard to hear anything. You're just trying to swim your way out, one way or another. Don't nobody want to lose the way we've been losing.

The comments come after a game in which DeRozan had just seven points and took only three shots. His 17.9 points per game is his first time below the 20 ppg mark in 13 years.

The Kings have lost eight straight, including giving up 144 points, 133, 132 and then a 137-96 drubbing at the hands of the Ja Morant-less Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday.

DeRozan is becoming a trade candidate, as he is in the final guaranteed year of his deal. He seems to understand the reality.

“I’m pretty sure everything comes into question when you’re in the situation like we’re in now,” DeRozan said. “That’s another thing that’s frustrating. That’s another thing. Only time will tell. We’ll see.”

That time should come before the Feb. 5th trade deadline.

Things aren't getting any easier, either, for the Kings, in the days ahead. Their next three opponents, the Nuggets, Timberwolves and Suns, have a combined record of 30-14.