DeMar DeRozan explains why he chose Sacramento in free agency

DeMar DeRozan explains why he chose Sacramento in free agency

The biggest the Sacramento Kings made in free agency was acquiring free agent wing DeMar DeRozan in a three-team sign-and-trade with the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs.

It was previously expected that DeRozan, who turned 35-years-old in August, would head back to Chicago, a franchise that’s been stuck in mediocrity for much of the last decade-plus. Though Sacramento, looking for extra firepower to place alongside De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, wanted to keep pace in a competitive Western Conference, with DeRozan being one of the most attractive free agents on the market (at the time).

The two sides eventually agreed to a three-year, $73.9 million deal. On a recent episode of Podcast P with Paul George, DeRozan revealed why he chose Sacramento over other rumored suitors, such as the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat.

“I think I was just looking for an opportunity just to win at a high level, wherever that was going to be,” he said. “I think coming out of last season, that was my view and my approach on this upcoming season. So once the season ended, I just took a seat back. Everybody knew I’m in a place where I just want to win, so from there I just let the cards play out in a way to where, ‘All right, let me see what landscape or what is going to win, and where I can be a part of that and help with that.’

“Sac came about and they were showing interest–like, real interest. So when I sat back and looked at it and analyzed the team–great players, great coach–I just remember the last couple of years always seeing them lighting this damn beam and winning.”

DeRozan averaged 24.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists last season, shooting 48.0 percent from the floor, including 33.3 percent from deep (on 2.8 attempts) and 85.3 percent from the free-throw line last year. He led the NBA in minutes, appearing in 79 games, an uncommon feat in today’s NBA for most players, let alone one with his degree of mileage.

I’m intrigued by his fit in Sacramento, specifically alongside Sabonis. Both players like to operate in similar areas, though I think both can benefit from each other in dribble hand-offs and other two-man actions where both players can leverage their shot-making into playmaking.

Domantas Sabonis: DeMar DeRozan ‘makes it so much harder’ for teams to guard Kings

Sacramento had enough functional 3-point shooting with Malik Monk, Kevin Huerter and Keegan Murray, so I’m not too worried about compromised spacing.

I’m not sure DeRozan completely elevates Sacramento’s ceiling, either, but it for sure puts them in the hunt a tier or two below the West contenders in Oklahoma City, Denver and Minnesota, among others.

“They for sure have a movement,” DeRozan said. “And that’s one thing you always definitely want to be a part of is a contagious culture of an organization that wants to win. When I looked at all that, it just felt like it fit. It was a big key piece that I can bring from a leadership standpoint and definitely skills standpoint that can push us over the edge. It became more and more appealing as I weighed it.

“I took a while to sign because I wanted to make sure the next decision I made gave me the best opportunity to win. I’m definitely looking forward to it.”

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