DeMar DeRozan plans to return to his original NBA jersey number when he joins the Sacramento Kings. Mark Haynes from the Sacramento Observer reports that DeRozan will wear No. 10, the same number he had with the Toronto Raptors and San Antonio Spurs. During his time with the Chicago Bulls, he wore No. 11 due to the retirement of No. 10 in honor of Bob Love.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Tim Bontemps announced that DeRozan had been acquired by the Kings in a sign-and-trade deal with the Bulls, resulting in a three-year, $74 million contract. The trade involved multiple teams, with the Kings sending Harrison Barnes and an unprotected 2031 pick swap to the Spurs, and Chris Duarte, two second-round draft picks, and cash to the Bulls.
This move brings DeRozan closer to his roots in Compton, California, marking the closest he has played to home in his NBA career. DeRozan is among the most accomplished free agents this offseason, with accolades including six All-Star selections, two All-NBA Second Team selections, and one All-NBA Third Team selection.
His career averages across 1,110 NBA games include 21.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. Despite being in his mid-30s, DeRozan remained highly productive last season, averaging 24.0 points, 5.3 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.1 steals.
Joining the Kings, DeRozan will play alongside a strong roster featuring De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, both All-Stars in the 2022-23 season. The Kings managed to retain key players like Malik Monk, Kevin Huerter, and Keegan Murray despite the acquisition of DeRozan, which enhanced their team depth significantly.
Although the Kings missed the playoffs last season with a 46-36 record after falling in the postseason play-in tournament, the addition of DeRozan boosts their potential. With an improved roster, the Kings now have a realistic chance of not only making the playoffs but also advancing deep into the postseason.
