2024-07-09 01:45:01
By Mark Haynes | OBSERVER Correspondent
There was a lot of excitement in Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center on the opening night of the California Classic — not because of what happened on the court, but in the front office. Sacramento Kings fans were thrilled to learn Saturday that six-time NBA All-Star DeMar DeRozan was returning to his home state, California, to play for the Kings.
The Kings landed DeRozan in a sign-and-trade deal that sent veteran forward Harrison Barnes to the San Antonio Spurs and Chris Duarte to the Chicago Bulls. Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes reported that DeRozan will earn $76 million over the next three years, with $59 million guaranteed in his first two years.
DeRozan, 34, is a three-time All-NBA player. During his tenure with the Chicago Bulls last season, the Compton native averaged 24 points while maintaining a field goal percentage of 48%. He exhibited his playmaking skills by averaging 5.3 assists and showcased his defensive capabilities by recording 1.1 steals per game. DeRozan has also had successful stints with the Toronto Raptors and the San Antonio Spurs since being selected ninth overall in the 2009 NBA Draft.
DeRozan will join a talented core for the Kings with De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, both of whom were NBA All-Stars a season ago. The Kings also re-signed guard Malik Monk this off-season and are continuing to develop third-year forward Keegan Murray.
Sources tell The OBSERVER that DeRozan will wear the No. 10 for the Kings. This number was previously worn by Sabonis, who vacated it earlier this year. Sabonis will now wear the No. 11 as a tribute to his father, the Hall of Famer Arvydas Sabonis.
Barnes, 32, is leaving Sacramento after five seasons where he averaged 14.7 points on 47.2% shooting from the field and 38.7% from three-point range. He played an essential role in helping the Kings return to the postseason, and the Spurs are counting on him to have a similar impact in San Antonio. He also made a tremendous difference in Sacramento through his community service and support of organizations designed to help those in need.
Next season Barnes will team up with the 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama and future Hall of Famer Chris Paul.
