
DeRozan forces his departure from Sacramento
The Sacramento experiment is over for DeRozan, who is demanding a trade or immediate release as the Kings accelerate their rebuild.

Sacramento
basketball · NBA
The Sacramento Kings are a professional basketball team based in Sacramento, California, competing in the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association. Originally established as the Rochester Royals in 1923, the franchise is one of the oldest in the NBA and has undergone several relocations, including stops in Cincinnati and Kansas City, before settling in Sacramento in 1985. The team plays its home games at the Golden 1 Center and is recognized for its distinctive purple and silver branding. Historically, the Kings secured the NBA Championship in 1951 during their tenure in Rochester. Despite enduring a lengthy playoff drought that spanned nearly two decades, the franchise remains a staple of the Pacific Division, consistently striving to build a contender around its core talent.
As of July 2026, the Sacramento Kings are navigating a turbulent offseason marked by significant roster uncertainty and front office decisions. Recent reports indicate that veteran star DeMar DeRozan has pushed for an exit from the franchise, prompting the team to explore trade scenarios to accommodate his request. Additionally, trade discussions involving guard Sasser heading to the Dallas Mavericks are reportedly looming, suggesting a potential shake-up in the team's backcourt composition. Following a season that fell short of championship aspirations, the organization is currently focused on recalibrating its salary cap flexibility and acquiring assets to remain competitive in the stacked Western Conference.

The Sacramento experiment is over for DeRozan, who is demanding a trade or immediate release as the Kings accelerate their rebuild.

DeMar DeRozan’s ultimatum forces Sacramento’s hand, Sasser inches closer to Dallas, and Houston hesitates on Finney-Smith before the Aug 29 deadline.
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| – | Portland Trail Blazers | – | 42 | – | 40 | -24 | 1 |
| – | Minnesota Timberwolves | – | 49 | – | 33 | +275 | 8 |
| – | Sacramento Kings | – | 22 | – | 60 | -820 | -19 |
| – | Memphis Grizzlies | – | 25 | – | 57 | -493 | -16 |
| – | Utah Jazz | – | 22 | – | 60 | -692 | -19 |