Kings GM Perry Details DeRozan Waiver and Outlines Plans for LaVine, Sabonis, Westbrook and Achiuwa
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Sacramento Kings general manager Scott Perry said the decision to waive DeMar DeRozan was driven by salary-cap considerations, even though the organization hoped to keep the veteran swingman.
Speaking Wednesday at a press conference, Perry called DeRozan “one of my favorite players to work with” and praised his professionalism and mentorship last season. DeRozan’s $25.74 million contract for 2026-27 carried only a $10 million guarantee. Stretching that guarantee over three seasons would trim more than $22 million from next year’s cap sheet, moving Sacramento below both the luxury-tax threshold and the first-apron hard cap.
“We looked at every possible way to keep him,” Perry said. “Ultimately, the financial part of this job made it impossible.”
LaVine Expected Back on $49 Million Option
Perry confirmed ongoing talks with Zach LaVine, who is expected to pick up his $49 million player option for 2026-27. Trade speculation has surrounded the two-time All-Star, but Perry said no acceptable offers have surfaced.
“Zach is still an excellent basketball player,” the GM noted. “He knows what’s expected when he returns, and I think he’s ready to deliver.”
Sabonis Aims for Healthy Comeback
Domantas Sabonis, limited to 19 games last season because of injuries, has also been mentioned in trade rumors. Perry expects the three-time All-Star to anchor the frontcourt.
“He’s always played hard,” Perry said. “I’m counting on a huge rebounding year and veteran leadership from him.”
Minimum Deal Only Path to Bring Back Westbrook
Reporters asked whether Sacramento might re-sign Russell Westbrook as a mentor for first-round pick Darius Acuff Jr. Perry, a longtime admirer of Westbrook, said the club can currently offer only a veteran-minimum contract. Although the Kings hold Westbrook’s Non-Bird rights, which would allow a 20 percent bump above the minimum, Perry indicated any deal above that figure is unlikely while the team hovers near the tax line.
Achiuwa Returns on Two-Year Contract
Perry expressed satisfaction with retaining forward Precious Achiuwa on a new two-year agreement after the 24-year-old explored other free-agency options.
“He wanted to be here,” Perry said. “His nightly competitiveness and versatility fit exactly what we’re building.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
