Quick Read
- DeMar DeRozan scored 33 points, including clutch shots, in the Kings’ 134-133 overtime loss to the Trail Blazers on December 18, 2025.
- Sacramento Kings are considering trading DeRozan, possibly to the Atlanta Hawks for Trae Young, as part of a major rebuild.
- DeRozan has been a consistent scorer but the Kings have struggled, sitting at 6-21 and near the bottom of the Pacific Division.
- Trade rumors reflect the Kings’ focus on youth and defense, with DeRozan’s future in Sacramento uncertain.
DeRozan’s December: Scoring Surges and Heartbreak Finishes
DeMar DeRozan, now in his 17th NBA season, continues to defy expectations. December 2025 saw the veteran forward seize the spotlight for the Sacramento Kings, delivering a string of clutch performances that reminded fans and pundits alike why he’s still one of the league’s most reliable scorers.
The crescendo came on December 18, as the Kings battled the Portland Trail Blazers in a game that veered from routine to riveting. DeRozan poured in 33 points, including a cold-blooded three-pointer with eight seconds left to force overtime. When the stakes peaked, DeRozan hit a jumper with four seconds remaining to give Sacramento a fleeting 133-132 lead. But the drama wasn’t finished: Portland’s Deni Avdija drew a foul and calmly sank two free throws with 1.5 seconds left, snatching a 134-133 victory from the Kings.
For DeRozan, it was a night to remember—and, perhaps, a sign of what could be his final flourish in Sacramento. He tallied 22 of his points in the fourth quarter and overtime, shooting an efficient 10-of-16 from the field and a perfect 10-for-10 at the line (ESPN). His performance was the latest in a series of highlight-reel moments, including emphatic dunks, and-ones, and late-game heroics that have peppered Kings games throughout the month (Yahoo Sports).
Trade Winds: Sacramento’s Dilemma and Atlanta’s Opportunity
While DeRozan’s on-court exploits have captured headlines, the conversation off the court is just as intense. The Sacramento Kings, struggling with a 6-21 record and sitting at the bottom of the Pacific Division, are reportedly open to major roster changes as they embrace a rebuild focused on youth and defense (A Royal Pain).
One scenario gaining traction is a blockbuster trade that would send DeRozan to the Atlanta Hawks. The proposed deal could see All-Star point guard Trae Young, who’s voiced frustration with Atlanta’s direction, heading to Sacramento. For the Kings, Young’s offensive firepower and energy could rejuvenate a team desperately seeking a new identity. Meanwhile, Atlanta would gain a seasoned scorer and stabilizing presence in DeRozan, potentially allowing both franchises to reset their trajectories.
The trade math is complex. Young’s salary dwarfs DeRozan’s, so other players—like Dario Saric, Doug McDermott, Drew Eubanks, and Dennis Schroder—plus draft picks, might be needed to balance the books. But for both sides, the logic is clear: Sacramento gets a centerpiece for its rebuild, while Atlanta adds veteran leadership to support its young core.
DeRozan’s Impact: Beyond the Box Score
Numbers alone don’t capture DeRozan’s influence. His game is a study in poise under pressure: from mid-range mastery to drawing critical fouls, he’s the kind of player who can stabilize a lineup and change the momentum in an instant. In December, his performances included several and-ones, powerful dunks, and a notable 33-point outing against the Minnesota Timberwolves, showing his consistency even as the Kings struggle to rack up wins (Yahoo Sports).
Yet, as reliable as DeRozan is on offense, Sacramento’s broader issues—defensive lapses, lack of depth, and a roster in flux—have made it difficult for his heroics to translate into sustained success. The Kings dropped four straight games entering the Portland matchup, and their playoff hopes have all but evaporated as the season approaches its midpoint (ESPN).
The Road Ahead: Will DeRozan Stay or Go?
The question on every fan’s mind is simple, but urgent: Will DeMar DeRozan finish the season with the Kings, or is he destined for a new chapter in Atlanta—or elsewhere?
For now, DeRozan remains the consummate professional, delivering highlights and carrying the scoring load even as trade rumors swirl. His experience, scoring touch, and clutch gene would make him a valuable addition to any contender or rebuilding squad. But as Sacramento leans toward youth, the writing may be on the wall.
In the NBA, change can be sudden and dramatic. For DeRozan, December 2025 has been a showcase of his enduring talent—and a possible curtain call for his time in Sacramento. As the trade deadline approaches, fans and front offices alike are watching every move, every shot, and every rumor, knowing that in this league, a single transaction can reshape fortunes overnight.
DeRozan’s December surge is a testament to his enduring skill and professionalism, but the Kings’ dire situation and the allure of a major trade suggest that both player and franchise may soon be headed for significant change. Whether he remains a Sacramento stalwart or becomes Atlanta’s next veteran anchor, DeRozan’s next steps will be pivotal for both teams’ futures.