Wizards Reportedly Pursuing Veteran Scorer DeMar DeRozan
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Washington, D.C. — The Washington Wizards have reached out to free-agent forward DeMar DeRozan in recent days, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania during Tuesday’s NBA Today broadcast.
The Wizards join the Miami Heat, Denver Nuggets and Cleveland Cavaliers as teams known to be in contact with the six-time All-Star. Washington, coming off three straight seasons with 18 or fewer victories, is attempting to accelerate its rebuild for 2026-27 behind newcomers Trae Young, Anthony Davis and top prospect AJ Dybantsa.
Washington’s roster currently features 14 players on standard deals, leaving one open spot. The club sits roughly $11 million below the luxury-tax threshold and retains its full non-taxpayer mid-level exception, giving it flexibility to offer DeRozan more than a veteran minimum contract.
DeRozan, 36, was waived by the Sacramento Kings earlier this month. The 17-year veteran appeared in 77 games last season, averaging 18.4 points, 2.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists over 31.2 minutes. While never regarded as a premier defender or three-point shooter, he ranks 16th on the NBA’s career scoring list, largely on the strength of his mid-range game and frequent trips to the foul line (6.5 attempts per contest over his career).
The Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors were previously linked to DeRozan, and the Golden State Warriors have also been mentioned as a possible destination, though salary-cap constraints could limit Golden State’s bid.
Source: Hoops Rumors
