Appearing on Podcast P with Paul George on Monday (YouTube link), new Kings forward DeMar DeRozan explained that finding an opportunity to contend for a championship was his top priority when he entered free agency this July, which is why he and the Bulls didn’t work out a new deal despite having previously expressed mutual admiration.
“I had a hell of a time in Chicago,” DeRozan said. “… Great city, great place. I think I was just looking for an opportunity just to win at a high level, wherever that was going to be. I think coming out of last season, that was my view and my approach on this upcoming season.”
DeRozan noted with a laugh that he had to wait for George to make his free agent decision before he was able to get clarity on his own options. After George agreed to sign with the 76ers, there were no contenders with cap room pursuing DeRozan, but Sacramento expressed interest in bringing him in and had the ability to make him a competitive contract offer via a sign-and-trade deal.
“Sac came about and they were showing interest. Like, real interest,” DeRozan said. “So when I sat back and looked at it and analyzed the team, great players, great coach. I just always remember the last couple years always seeing them light the damn beam and winning and all that.”
When George interjected to observe that the Kings have built “a movement” during the past couple years, snapping a lengthy playoff drought and gaining respectability under head coach Mike Brown, DeRozan agreed.
“That’s definitely one thing you always want to be a part of, is a contagious culture of an organization that wants to win,” DeRozan said. “When I looked at all that, I just felt like it fit. It was a big key piece that I felt like I could bring from a leadership standpoint and definitely from a skill standpoint that could kind of push us over the edge. It became more and more appealing as I weighed it. I kind of took a while to sign because I just wanted to make sure the next decision I made gave me the best opportunity to win. I’m definitely looking forward to it.”
Asked by George what other teams he considered in free agency, DeRozan identified Philadelphia as one possibility he looked at, though the Sixers may have been eliminated as an option after using most of their cap space to sign George. DeRozan said he also considered another Eastern Conference contender, along with his two hometown teams.
“I was thinking about Philly. Philly definitely was an option. Lakers was an option, always. Clippers was an option. And the Heat was an option,” DeRozan said. “I’d say those teams, for sure, were the real, legitimate options for me, that I was considering.”
The Lakers and Heat are operating right up against the second tax apron, so they would’ve needed to shed salary to acquire DeRozan unless he was willing to take a substantial pay cut.
“They were willing to pay me the most money”
His deal is pretty team friendly. Wouldn’t be shocked if the Bulls had offered him more money than he got in Sac
Considering his age and skill set I think his contract is appropriate. He’s a scorer and that’s about it.
As far as Chicago offering more? I don’t know about that. If they’d offered more I think he would’ve stayed. Here’s a quote from DeMar on The Run it back show right after the season ended.
“The city is great, I love the city, the organization has been great, it’s definitely a place I would love to return to and take care of unfinished business”
The offers were probably close. I think being closer to home and being on a competitive team were the deciding factors.
Kings ain’t winnin a damn thing with THAT defense lol
If they are serious about Contending and going deep into the Playoffs, then they still need at least one player.
Trade Huerter, and a 1st rnd pick and Bring in 6-9 PF Kuzma, then move Murray to SF.
Possible New Line Up :
—————————-
6-9 PF Kuzma
6-8 SF Murray
6-11 C Sabonis
6-6 SG DeRozan
6-3 PG Fox
—————————-
2nd Unit :
—————————-
6-9 PF Lyles
6-9 SF McDaniels
7-0 C Len
6-5 SG Monk
6-1 PG McGlaughlin
-OR-
Trade Huerter, Colby and a 1st rnd Pick to Atlanta and Get 6-11 C Capela, then move Sabonis to PF and Murray to SF.
Possible New Line Up :
—————————-
6-11 PF Sabonis
6-8 SF Murray
6-11 C Capela
6-6 SG DeRozan
6-3 PG Fox
—————————-
2nd Unit :
—————————-
6-9 PF Lyles
6-9 SF McDaniels
7-0 C Len
6-5 SG Monk
6-1 PG McGlaughlin
Oh great. This guy doesn’t know who Keon Ellis is but wants to tell everyone what the Kings need to be a contender.
Keon Ellis, is a great guy, but NOT the guy the kings need in their Starting Rotation, Period !!
He’s also apparently not needed on the second unit either right?
Also not quite sure how the best on ball defender the Kings have on roster shouldn’t be in the starting lineup.
Please watch at least 5 minutes of Kings basketball before you just start spouting nonsense about a team you’re unfamiliar with
And do what ?? Make Monk sit ?? he can play PG I guess til Carter comes back. He went undrafted for a reason, and you want to sit everyone else so he can play. Losing strategy !! He’s Not all that, period !!
Im almost positive you looked on trade machine and saw how little Keon Ellis makes and just assumed he was a nobody because you’ve never actually watched the Kings play. You clearly don’t know what you’re talking about.
Enjoy the new 2k bud.
I’ve Been a Kings Fan since they were in KC, and became a Sac Kings Fan the day they rolled up into the old Arco Arena. You don’t know S*** !!
Since KC huh? That certainly explains your deteriorating mental state and poor judgment.
Okay you forgot about about Keon, and you you forgot the kings don’t own their 1st
I didn’t say next years 1st, did I.
Kyle Kuzma is the missing piece?!? Have never seen that posted before. Kudos to you for being the first, and likely only, to ever make that suggestion.
Pretty disingenuous. Winning had nothing to do with why DeRozan is not still with CHI, or why he with SAC. He spent the entire lead up to FA lobbying for CHI to use his Bird Rights to jump the market. It was only when CHI gave him only a nominal (we really don’t want you back) offer that he went to the market, and then just went with the team that made the largest offer. Just like he did the last time he was a FA and he signed with CHI via S&T. No shame in it, he’s in business, but be real. Everyone likes to win, vs the alternative, but nobody in their mid-30’s ready and willing to reup in CHI has it as a major priority.
Clippers were foolish not to sign him after losing PG.
He’s a good fit in Sac. IMO makes them a contender.