What happened: DeMar DeRozan is looking to accelerate his departure from the Sacramento Kings, according to reporting from Kelly Iko. The veteran wing is owed $25 million for the upcoming season, but only $10 million of that figure is guaranteed. DeRozan is said to be open to either being waived so he can test the open market or being moved in a trade sooner rather than later.
Why it matters: The partial guarantee gives Sacramento a cleaner path to shedding salary, a meaningful lever for a roster already squeezed against the Kings pressed against a second-apron cap crunch this offseason. Cutting DeRozan loose or trading him would reshape the wing rotation and free flexibility to reallocate money elsewhere. A waiver would also let him choose his next home during an active free-agency period.
By the numbers: DeRozan is carrying a $25 million salary for the coming season with just $10 million guaranteed, leaving Sacramento potentially on the hook for as little as the guaranteed portion in a waiver scenario.
What to watch: Watch whether the Kings find a trade partner or opt to waive him outright, and which contenders pursue him if he reaches the open market.