The Sacramento Kings’ disastrous start to the season has reached a new low, and star forward DeMar DeRozan is not holding back. Following a lopsided 137-96 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies that dropped the team to a dismal 3-13 record, DeRozan offered a brutally honest assessment of the situation in Sacramento, fueling speculation that significant changes could be on the horizon.
Sacramento Kings Continue To Lose
After the Kings suffered their eighth consecutive defeat—all by double digits—DeRozan provided a raw and unfiltered look into the team’s mindset. “I think everything right now for us is just s–tty, honestly,” he told reporters. He described the locker room atmosphere as a “s–tty place,” capturing the deep frustration of a team in a freefall.
The loss to Memphis was particularly demoralizing. It came just hours after the team announced that center Domantas Sabonis would be sidelined for three to four weeks with a partial meniscus tear. Without their anchor in the paint, the Kings were dismantled, trailing by 28 points at halftime. The on-court product has been stagnant, with the high-profile pairing of DeRozan and Zach LaVine posting a net rating of minus-21.6 when they share the floor.
Trade Deadline Looms Large
DeRozan’s candid remarks do more than just highlight the team’s struggles; they signal a breaking point. When a veteran leader publicly expresses such profound frustration, it often serves as a catalyst for front-office action. With the season spiraling out of control and the team’s expensive roster failing to produce results, the pressure is mounting on the Kings’ management to make a move before the trade deadline.
As a respected veteran on an expiring contract, DeRozan is a prime candidate to be moved. Contending teams are often in the market for a proven scorer who can provide a mid-season boost, and DeRozan fits that profile perfectly. His comments suggest he is tired of losing, and a trade could offer him a chance to compete while allowing the Kings to recoup assets and potentially re-tool their roster.
Final Thoughts
With a daunting schedule ahead, including a matchup against the reigning champion Denver Nuggets, things may get worse before they get better. For the Kings, DeRozan’s unfiltered honesty may be the final signal that their current construction is not working and that the time to explore a trade is now.
