Why Kings Are Better Off Keeping 6x All-Star Over Other Names

With the trade deadline approaching, a look at how the Kings can benefit from keeping DeMar DeRozan on the roster.

Sports Illustrated

The Sacramento Kings are entering a transition that feels less like a complete teardown and more like a strategic reset, prioritizing youth development over an all-out push for immediate playoff success. Rather than chasing short-term results, the organization appears focused on building a sustainable core that can grow together over the next several seasons.

In moments like this, veteran decisions become even more critical, especially when weighing which players best fit a retooling timeline. Among the Kings’ notable veterans, DeMar DeRozan stands out as the six-time All-Star whose presence aligns most naturally with this shift. As Sacramento balances patience with competitiveness, DeRozan embodies the veteran stability that rebuilding teams often need.

When comparing DeRozan to Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis, the contract situation plays a significant role in why DeRozan is the most sensible player to keep around longer. His deal is far more team-friendly relative to the production he still provides, giving the Kings flexibility as they continue to get younger.

LaVine’s contract is a long-term financial commitment that doesn’t align as cleanly with a developmental phase, especially given injury concerns and the need for high usage. Sabonis, while highly productive, requires a specific roster structure that can complicate a youth-oriented reset. DeRozan’s ability to deliver efficient scoring without dominating possessions makes him easier to keep while the front office reshapes the roster.

On-Court Production

Dec 30, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Demar Derozan (10) drives past Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and guard Kris Dunn (8) in the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

On the court, DeRozan’s game fits seamlessly into a transitional environment. His scoring doesn’t rely on explosive athleticism, which helps his production remain steady even as his role evolves. He excels in late-game situations, understands when to assert himself, and knows when to defer to younger teammates.

That balance is particularly valuable for a team not singularly focused on playoff seeding but instead on development and evaluation. Compared to the more volatile timelines of LaVine or the roster-dependence of Sabonis, DeRozan’s adaptability makes him a stabilizing force during change.

Off-Court Leadership

Beyond the numbers, DeRozan’s mentorship is arguably his most important contribution during this phase. Young players like Keegan Murray and Nique Clifford benefit from learning alongside a veteran who has experienced playoff runs, adversity, and career evolution.

DeRozan models professionalism, preparation, and composure, traits that are essential for a young core learning how to win the right way. His presence allows the Kings to remain competitive nightly without rushing their timeline. That kind of leadership is especially valuable for a team choosing growth over immediate results.

Ultimately, the Kings’ current transition toward getting younger makes DeMar DeRozan the most logical veteran to keep. His team-friendly contract, reliable production, adaptable play style, and strong mentorship qualities align perfectly with a soft rebuild rather than a desperate playoff push. While LaVine and Sabonis each bring value, their circumstances fit less cleanly with where Sacramento appears to be headed. DeRozan provides stability without limiting flexibility, competitiveness without urgency, and leadership without ego.

For a franchise navigating change, those qualities make him the right six-time All-Star to anchor the next phase of Kings basketball.