Kings Newcomer DeMar DeRozan: I Feel I Can Help Push Us ‘Over The Edge’

Veteran wing DeMar DeRozan addressed his decision to leave the Chicago Bulls for the Sacramento Kings (via a sign-and-trade) on the podcast from Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George.

For starters, DeRozan said, he had to wait to see what George would do in free agency — leaving the Los Angeles Clippers for the Sixers. Then DeRozan joined the Kings.

“I had a hell of a time in Chicago. I had some hell of a teammates in Chicago. Great city, great place,” DeRozan said. “I think I was just looking for an opportunity just to win at a high level, wherever that was going to be. I think coming out of last season, that was my view and my approach on this upcoming season.

“So, when the season ended, I just took a seat back. Everybody knew I’m in a place where I just want to win, so from there I just let the cards play out in a way to where, ‘All right, let me see what landscape or what is going to win, and where I can be a part of that and help with that.'”

The fact the Kings also boast the likes of guard De’Aaron Fox, center Domantas Sabonis and coach Mike Brown didn’t hurt.

“Sac came about and they were showing interest,” DeRozan said. “Like, real interest. So when I sat back and looked at it and analyzed the team: great players, great coach. I just remember the last couple of years always seeing them lighting this damn beam and winning.”

DeRozan landed a three-year, $76 million contract in the three-team trade that also involved the San Antonio Spurs.

“They for sure have a movement,” he said of the Kings. “And that’s one thing you always definitely want to be a part of is a contagious culture of an organization that wants to win. When I looked at all that, it just felt like it fit. It was a big key piece that I can bring from a leadership standpoint and definitely a skills standpoint that can push us over the edge. It became more and more appealing as I weighed it.

“I took a while to sign because I wanted to make sure the next decision I made gave me the best opportunity to win. I’m definitely looking forward to it.”