Lakers, Raptors, and Pistons named top landing spots for $73 million 6-time All-Star forward

The Sacramento Kings have finally cut ties with former All-Star forward DeMar DeRozan after weeks of speculation.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Kings waived DeRozan on Monday after failing to find a trade for the veteran wing.

"Just in: The Sacramento Kings are waiving DeMar DeRozan, making the six-time All-Star one of the top free agents, sources tell ESPN. The sides worked collaboratively on this resolution after exploring trade routes," Charania reported.

Though DeRozan is past his prime, the 36-year-old can still be an upper-echelon role player on a contending team and should garner heavy interest on the open market.

Lakers, Raptors, and Pistons linked to DeRozan in NBA free agency

In an article detailing possible landing spots for DeRozan, Big Lead's Preston Palm linked the six-time All-Star to the Los Angeles Lakers, Toronto Raptors, and Detroit Pistons.

"DeRozan can pick wherever he wants to go, and ideally for him, join a contender and help them as a third option," Palm wrote.

In two seasons with the Kings, DeRozan was quietly an effective scorer and incredibly durable. The three-time All-NBA forwards averaged 20.3 points per game in 154 games in Sacramento, including 22 points per game in 2024.

DeRozan has played over 70 games in each of the last five seasons and has consistently averaged over 20 points per game. The USC product remains a dynamic scorer and has also added a viable three-point shot to his scoring arsenal.

Los Angeles needs to acquire a reliable third option to pair with Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic, and DeRozan's veteran experience and savvy scoring would complement the Lakers' backcourt stars, who are explosive scorers in their own right.

A reunion between DeRozan and the Raptors would be awesome, but the fit with Kawhi Leonard and Scottie Barnes wouldn't make much sense unless DeRozan is willing to come off the bench or return to shooting guard, a position he hasn't played in nearly a decade.

Detroit must add more production on the offensive end, and DeRozan would fix that problem immediately. Though he wouldn't solve the Pistons' floor-stretching issue, DeRozan would take some pressure off Cade Cunningham and be the No. 2 scorer Detroit desperately needs.

Overall, DeRozan is still capable of being a high-level starting option on the wing who can put up 20 points a night. A contending team, such as the Lakers, Raptors, and Pistons, could look to sign the California native and elevate their offensive upside for the 2026 season.