Offseason trade proposal sends DeMar DeRozan to Pacers

One NBA analyst proposed that the Indiana Pacers trade for Sacramento Kings star DeMar DeRozan this offseason. 

Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report proposed the following NBA trade idea between the Pacers and Kings:

Sacramento Kings Receive: PG Andrew Nembhard, PF Jarace Walker

Indiana Pacers Receive: G/F DeMar DeRozan, 2025 second-round pick (via Chicago Bulls)

“The Kings need a new franchise point guard after trading away De’Aaron Fox at the deadline,” Swartz wrote. “Nembhard has shined in this role when given the opportunity and the 25-year-old would look good in a starting lineup alongside Malik Monk, Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray and Domantas Sabonis. Walker has been buried in a crowded Pacers frontcourt, yet the former lottery pick could find a bigger role in Sacramento as a primary backup to Murray.

“DeRozan is having another big year (22.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists) but isn’t needed as much now with LaVine on board. Swapping him for a true point guard better balances this roster while improving the team’s defense.”

DeRozan is in his first season with the Kings. He’s averaging 22.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists while shooting 48.3% from the field, 34.5% from beyond the arc and 86.7% from the free-throw line. 

A six-time All-Star, DeRozan will make $24,750,000 next season and $25,740,000 in 2026-27, the final year of his contract. 

A USC product, DeRozan has played for the Toronto Raptors, San Antonio Spurs, Bulls and Kings. He has career averages of 21.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists. 

Sacramento has been a walking disaster this season. The team is only 36-39.

If the regular season ended today, the Kings would face the Dallas Mavericks in the 9-10 play-in tournament game. 

Meanwhile, the Pacers are in fourth place in the East with a strong record of 44-31. They would face the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the playoffs if the regular season ended today. 

It will be fascinating to see what the Kings do with DeRozan in the offseason. Despite putting up good numbers, DeRozan hasn’t impacted winning for Sacramento this season.