NBA Rumors: Kings, DeMar DeRozan, Rockets, Dorian Finney-Smith, Celtics

Kings

The Kings and veteran forward DeMar DeRozan appear headed toward a split.

According to multiple reports, DeRozan is hoping his situation is resolved soon, whether through a trade or by being waived.

The 35-year-old is owed $25 million next season, though only $10 million is guaranteed. Rival executives reportedly expect Sacramento to waive and stretch the remainder of his guaranteed salary if a trade cannot be reached.

Such a move would make DeRozan an unrestricted free agent, allowing him to sign with any team.

At the moment, though, the Kings are exploring trade possibilities before making a final decision.

Despite the uncertainty, DeRozan remains one of the NBA’s most dependable veterans. He averaged 18.4 points, 4.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds while appearing in 77 games last season.

Rockets

The Rockets continue listening to offers for forward Dorian Finney-Smith, though nothing appears imminent.

According to Yahoo Sports’ Kelly Iko, Houston has explored multiple trade scenarios involving Finney-Smith, including deals designed to create additional cap flexibility and others that would bring back rotation players.

However, none of those discussions have progressed far enough to result in a deal.

Iko added that the Rockets’ urgency has eased after successfully agreeing to contracts with Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanovic without needing to free significant additional cap space.

Celtics

The NBA is still trying to make sense of Boston’s decision to trade Jaylen Brown.

Speaking on ESPN, Brian Windhorst said rival executives viewed the Celtics’ blockbuster deal with the 76ers as one made “under duress.”

“Other teams in the league felt like this looked like a trade that was made under duress,” Windhorst said. “You wouldn’t make this trade if everything was equal.”

Windhorst questioned why Boston felt compelled to complete the deal immediately, particularly with a division rival, suggesting there would have been opportunities to revisit Brown’s trade market later in the offseason.

The Celtics ultimately sent Brown to Philadelphia in exchange for Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks after initially seeking a significantly larger return.

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