Why DeRozan Signed With the Kings During NBA Free Agency originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
DeMar DeRozan had plenty of “legitimate” options to choose from during NBA free agency, but ended up signing with the kings for a handful of reasons.
In the latest episode of “Podcast P with Paul George“, the 35-year-old star revealed why he dropped the The Philadelphia 76ers, The Los Angeles Lakers, The Los Angeles Clippers And Miami Heat for a new challenge with Sacramento.
Ironically, George’s recent move to Philadelphia influenced DeRozan’s decision.
Oh, and, of course, winning.
“First of all, and this is funny, I had to wait for what you were going to do,” DeRozan told George. “So I’m waiting for what you were going to do, first of all. I had a hell of a time Chicago. I had incredible teammates in Chicago. It was a great city, a great place. I think I was just looking for an opportunity to win at a high level, wherever that was. I think after last season, that was my perspective and my approach going into this upcoming season.
“So when the season ended, I just kind of stepped back. Everybody knew I was in a situation where I just wanted to win, so from there I just let the cards play out in a way where, ‘Okay, let me see what landscape or what’s going to win, and where I can be a part of that and help make that happen.’”
Looking for a proven, sustainable marker to help you De’Aaron Fox And Domantas Sabonis On offense, the Kings pursued six-time All-Star DeRozan, who had impressed Coach Mike Brown team and culture over the past few seasons.
“The bag was thrown and they showed interest,” DeRozan recalled. “Real interest. So when I sat down, I looked at the team and analyzed it: great players, great coach. I just remember the last two years where I always saw them shine and win.”
In early July, the Kings completed a sign-and-trade deal with the The Chicago Bulls And San Antonio Spurssending DeRozan to Sacramento on a three-year, $76 million contract.
Now, the star point guard hopes to use his scoring prowess to light more rays on Sacramento.
“They certainly have a movement,” DeRozan concluded. “And that’s something you always want to be a part of: the contagious culture of an organization that wants to win. When I looked at all of that, I felt like it was a good fit. It was a key piece that I could bring from a leadership standpoint and certainly from a skill standpoint that can push us to the limit. It became more and more appealing the more I thought about it.”
“I took a while to sign because I wanted to make sure that the next move I made would give me the best chance to win. I’m really looking forward to it.”
