The DeMar DeRozan trade chatter isn’t cooling off anytime soon - and now, the Golden State Warriors are officially in the mix.
While the Sacramento Kings have long been rumored to be weighing their options with DeRozan, the latest buzz connects the six-time All-Star to their in-state rival. That’s right - the Warriors, fresh off a rocky stretch of their own, are reportedly doing their homework on adding a veteran forward, and DeRozan’s name is surfacing as a real possibility.
According to league insiders, Golden State is actively evaluating the forward market, with an eye on wings who can provide scoring punch and versatility. DeRozan, along with New Orleans’ Trey Murphy and Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins, has been floated as a potential target. The focus for the Warriors, it seems, isn’t necessarily shoring up the frontcourt - it’s finding an impactful presence at the forward spot who can help stabilize the rotation and add some offensive firepower.
And with Jimmy Butler sidelined, ESPN’s Shams Charania recently noted DeRozan as a name to watch for Golden State as they reassess their roster heading into the final weeks before the trade deadline.
But there’s a wrinkle here - and it’s not about fit on the court. It’s about the dynamics off it.
The Kings and Warriors haven’t exactly been the easiest trade partners in recent years. Sacramento has made it clear they’re not eager to help out a division rival, especially when it comes to players they value highly - like Jonathan Kuminga.
The Kings have reportedly had eyes on the young Warriors forward for some time, but Golden State isn’t expected to move him in a deal for DeRozan. That likely takes a straight-up swap off the table, but it doesn’t take DeRozan out of the conversation altogether.
There’s still a path here, depending on how creative both front offices are willing to get. The trade deadline is set for February 5, and that gives teams - including both the Kings and Warriors - a narrow window to strike a deal.
For Sacramento, the question is how long they plan to ride this current roster. DeRozan continues to be a steady 20-point-per-game scorer, often trading off lead scoring duties with Russell Westbrook. He’s also been a veteran presence in the locker room, bringing leadership and poise to a Kings team still trying to solidify its identity in the Western Conference.
That said, he’s not the only King hearing his name in trade conversations. Malik Monk and Domantas Sabonis have also drawn interest around the league, but so far, neither has been linked to Golden State the way DeRozan has.
The clock is ticking. And if the Warriors are serious about making a push - and the Kings are open to reshaping their roster - DeRozan could be the swing piece that shifts the balance in the Pacific Division.