Last dance for DeMar DeRozan: Knicks out, Heat and Clippers lead the Race
The New York Knicks are no longer pursuing DeMar DeRozan. Insider Ian Begley has cooled the rumors, identifying the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers as the leading contenders
DeMar DeRozan‘s chapter with the Sacramento Kings likely ended at the perfect time for both sides. The Kings can now continue building for the future with greater salary-cap flexibility, paying only $10 million of the $25.7 million remaining on his original contract, a figure that will be stretched over the next three years. It also allows the franchise to immediately hand more opportunities and responsibility to Darius Acuff Jr.
For DeRozan, meanwhile, the opportunity is now there to evaluate offers from teams better positioned to compete right away as the clock continues to tick toward the inevitable final stage of his career, even if no retirement announcement has been made.
According to Ian Begley of SNY Knicks, however, the New York Knicks are not a realistic destination. The possibility had gained traction during Jalen Brunson‘s injury absence, a stretch in which New York’s offense was expected to search for new solutions without its primary playmaker.
Begley had already reported a few days ago that the Knicks‘ top offseason priority remains finding a replacement for Mitchell Robinson. The 2026 NBA Free Agency market features experienced centers such as Nick Richards and Drew Eubanks, players viewed as better fits for the team’s current needs.
Here is what the insider had to say:
DeRozan is obviously a high-level scorer. I don’t think there’s really anything there with New York, probably from either side. I don’t expect anything to happen. DeRozan seems interested in Miami. I think the Clippers are also in the mix, and I don’t believe the Knicks are among his priorities. At the same time, I don’t think New York has strong interest in bringing him in. I’d say, at least for now, we can put this discussion to rest
Ian Begley
If Begley’s projection proves accurate, two of the biggest storylines of the 2026 NBA Free Agency will remain unresolved: on one side, the Knicks’ efforts to defend their NBA title; on the other, DeMar DeRozan’s next destination, with the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers currently appearing to be the most realistic landing spots before the final chapter of his career.