NBA Rumor Roundup: Kings Could Cut Ties With DeMar DeRozan; Rockets Still Shopping Dorian Finney-Smith; Questions Linger Over Celtics’ Jaylen Brown Trade
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Kings and DeMar DeRozan
Sacramento is weighing its options with veteran forward DeMar DeRozan and has not ruled out parting ways with the six-time All-Star, league sources told multiple outlets. DeRozan, 35, is due $25 million for the 2024-25 season, but only $10 million of that figure is guaranteed. Rival front-office executives expect the Kings to waive and stretch the guaranteed portion if no trade materializes, a move that would make DeRozan an unrestricted free agent.
While the Kings continue to probe the trade market, DeRozan remains one of the NBA’s most reliable scorers. He appeared in 77 games last year, averaging 18.4 points, 4.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds.
Rockets and Dorian Finney-Smith
Houston is still open to trading forward Dorian Finney-Smith but has yet to find a deal that meets its objectives, according to Yahoo Sports’ Kelly Iko. The Rockets have explored scenarios that would either boost cap flexibility or net proven rotation pieces, though talks have not advanced to an actionable stage. Team urgency reportedly cooled after Houston secured agreements with Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanovic without needing major additional space.
Celtics and the Jaylen Brown Deal
Executives across the league are trying to understand Boston’s decision to ship Jaylen Brown to a division rival so early in the offseason. On ESPN, Brian Windhorst said many front offices viewed the blockbuster trade with Philadelphia as one made “under duress,” questioning why the Celtics moved so quickly. Boston sent Brown to the 76ers for Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks after initially seeking a significantly larger haul.
The timing and partner choice continue to raise eyebrows, with some executives believing the Celtics could have revisited Brown’s market later in the summer.
Source: Hoops Wire
