DeMar DeRozan Viewed as Primary Trade Chip if Kings Shake Up Roster
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The February 5 trade deadline is approaching and rival front offices are zeroing in on Sacramento forward DeMar DeRozan as the most attainable of the Kings’ veteran stars, according to a report from ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel.
Kings’ calculus
DeRozan’s US$24.6 million salary for 2024-25, with only US$10 million guaranteed next season, is considered far easier to move than the contracts of teammates Zach LaVine (nearly US$50 million annually) and Domantas Sabonis (US$42.3 million this season and US$94 million over the following two years). The Bucks, Clippers, Heat, Trail Blazers and Grizzlies are listed as potential landing spots. Any discussion involving Sabonis is expected to wait until he progresses in his meniscus-tear recovery, which is not set to begin until around Christmas.
Timberwolves and Julius Randle
Siegel adds that the Timberwolves are increasingly open to listening on Julius Randle if an appealing package surfaces. Minnesota continues to canvass the point-guard market—having checked on Ja Morant and maintained interest in Darius Garland for more than a year—but the club’s shortage of tradable first-round picks limits its flexibility.
Warriors monitoring Nic Claxton
Nic Claxton of the Nets remains a frequent name in trade chatter, and league sources tell Siegel that the Warriors are one team to watch. Brooklyn showed “zero interest” in pursuing Jonathan Kuminga during the forward’s restricted free agency this summer, suggesting the Nets do not view him as a key return piece. Claxton has also been tied to the Lakers dating back to last season.
Pacers keep tabs on Kuminga
Indiana has quietly scouted Kuminga since last year and could offer Bennedict Mathurin, Jarace Walker or Obi Toppin to help offset an upcoming salary-cap crunch, Siegel reports. Mathurin is viewed as the Pacers’ most enticing asset in a potential deal.
Golden State’s wing search
The Warriors want additional long, versatile wings and are expected to contact the Pelicans about Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones. Whether New Orleans will engage remains uncertain, but those profiles align with Golden State’s plans should the team decide to move Kuminga.
Source: Hoops Wire
