Although NBA free agency has slowed down, one key veteran still available is DeMar DeRozan.
The Sacramento Kings released DeRozan at the start of July, and immediately teams such as the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat were named as options for the six-time All-Star.
On Tuesday, ESPN insider Shams Charania gave an update on the DeRozan market, and while the Heat, Cavaliers, and Denver Nuggets have all expressed interest, a new team was revealed: The Washington Wizards.
“One new team over the last several days that has had some conversations with DeMar DeRozan is the Washington Wizards,” Charania said.
.@ShamsCharania gives an update on the remaining notable free agents 🏀 pic.twitter.com/nUoKPyTtpZ
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) July 28, 2026
The Wizards acquired Trae Young in January and then gave him a massive four-year, $212 million deal this summer. Washington also acquired Anthony Davis, and despite other reports, the franchise does not plan on trading the former Lakers and Pelicans star.
On top of that, the Wizards selected AJ Dybantsa with the first overall pick, so Washington seems serious about winning after years of finishing toward the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
DeRozan would bring more veteran presence to a team mixed with young players as well as Davis and Young, although DeRozan might prefer a team that has more NBA title aspirations.
Still, it’s an interesting destination, and the market for DeMar DeRozan continues to heat up going into August.
