Top 4 Landing Spots For DeMar DeRozan, Officially Waived By Kings

DeMar DeRozan is officially an unrestricted free agent. He was waived by the Sacramento Kings and is free to join any team on a cost-friendly contract.

The Kings waived-and-stretched DeMar DeRozan’s final year under contract, per @ShamsCharania.

DeRozan now hits the open market for contending teams to pursue, while Sacramento creates immediate cap flexibility. pic.twitter.com/HtHpSlv1zy

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 6, 2026

Let's have a look at the top 4 potential landing spots for DeRozan.

Could DeMar DeRozan return to the Raptors?

Toronto Raptors

This is where it all began for DeRozan. He was the Raptors' perennial leading scorer in his nine years with the team. He was also instrumental in the Raps winning the NBA title in 2019, just not in the way he would have liked, of course. DeRozan was the premier piece going back to the San Antonio Spurs in the trade to bring Kawhi Leonard to Toronto (the first time), leading to the championship.

Toronto Raptors are open to a reunion with DeMar DeRozan. #NBA

— NBATradeReport (@NBATradeReport) July 6, 2026

Now, could Kawhi help DeRozan get a shot at a ring? There's no doubt that DD would love a return to The Six.

DeMar DeRozan, one year ago, said what it would mean to retire as a Toronto Raptor:

“That place, man—being drafted there at 19, I grew up with that organization, that fanbase. I gave it everything I had. Emotionally, that connection will never fade.”

(via @RunItBackFDTV) pic.twitter.com/xNZgCTyAWr

— Polymarket Hoops (@PolymarketHoops) July 6, 2026

Los Angeles Lakers

DD is LA-born and bred, from Compton. He'd get a chance to play for his hometown team, but more importantly, DeRozan's elite mid-range game could help draw attention away from Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, though with those two around, DeRozan wouldn't get nearly the number of touches he's been used to in his career. There is a report that there is mutual interest.

Detroit Pistons

Here's another team looking to make defenses pay for focusing too much on their alpha scorer. Cade Cunningham needs some help in the scoring department, and they didn't have another 20-point man on the squad this past season (though Jalen Duren came close, he wasn't drawing too many defenders away from Cade). 

DeRozan has interest in joining the Heat

Miami Heat

Pat Riley & Co. are all-in after the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade. They've been linked to a possible reunion with LeBron James, but DeRozan's mid-range game would be a nice complement to Giannis & Bam Adebayo on the offensive end. And those two can help erase the defensive deficiencies that DeMar brings. There's at least one report out of Miami that he'd be interested in taking his talents to South Beach.

DeMar DeRozan has interest in joining the Miami Heat, per @flasportsbuzz pic.twitter.com/kJBUdUMYmD

— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) July 6, 2026