The Kings have been mostly quiet this NBA offseason, but have reportedly been working behind the scenes to acquire a big-name star.
Sacramento is in talks with the Chicago Bulls about a potential sign-and-trade deal for DeMar DeRozan, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Friday, adding that a third team would need to be involved in order for the deal to be made.
Wojnarowski joined “SportsCenter” to further the discussion.
“DeMar DeRozan certainly played his last game with the Chicago Bulls,” Wojnarowski said. “The only team willing to work with him and explore a sign-and-trade scenario is the Sacramento Kings. They've been in talks this week. They would need a third team to be involved in a sign-and-trade. Chicago is certainly willing to help DeMar DeRozan get more than the mid-level exception on a team with no cap space, but they're not going to back out of the deal. They would also need a third team to move the larger payroll.”
“But those conversations are continuing and I think there are other scenarios for DeMar DeRozan, but I think Sacramento is the team to watch between now and the end of the moratorium in the next 24 to 48 hours.”
DeRozan, a six-time NBA All-Star who averaged 24.0 points, 5.3 assists and 4.3 rebounds last season, had been rumored to be in talks with several other teams but Sacramento has shown interest in recent days, with ESPN's Zach Lowe reporting Wednesday that the Kings are a “quick contender” to acquire DeRozan.
“I don't think the Kings have made any moves yet in the offseason. … I think they have interest in DeRozan,” Lowe said on “The Lowe Post” podcast.
Coming off a missed playoff appearance last season, Kings general manager Monte McNair and his team will undoubtedly have a tough task this summer as they try to assemble a roster capable of competing in a highly competitive Western Conference.
A player like DeRozan would certainly help with that effort.
