DeMar DeRozan reveals the inside story behind his choice to sign with the Kings and the journey through free agency

DeMar DeRozan's decision to join the Sacramento Kings as a free agent was arguably one of the most significant moves of the NBA offseason. While some may question the impact he will have on transforming the Kings into a playoff contender, the real triumph lies in the fact that a top-tier free agent has chosen to play for Sacramento with the goal of winning. This decision marks a major milestone for the franchise, which not too long ago was struggling to break their playoff drought. It demonstrates a significant shift in perception and potential for success in Sacramento.

2024 Sacramento Kings Draft Pick Press Conference

DeRozan opened up about that process and why he chose Sacramento

when speaking to Paul George on Podcast P

(and gave George a hard time about having to wait until George made his decision before the market opened up).

"I was just looking for an opportunity to win at a high level wherever that was going to be… [Sacramento] came about, and they were showing interest, like real interest. So when I sat back and looked at it, and analyzed the team. Great players. Great coach. I just always remember the last couple of years of always seeing them light this damn beam and winning and all that."

DeRozan added he was looking at other options.

"Philly definitely was an option. The Lakers were an option always. Clippers were an option. And the Heat was an option too. I'd say those teams, for sure, were real personal, legitimate options that I was considering."

DeRozan has talked about wanting to come home and play in Los Angeles but logistically that was going to be difficult this summer with both the Lakers and Clippers expensive and into the luxury tax aprons. It would have required a sign-and-trade for either Los Angeles team to get him, and neither front office was willing to go there. Sacramento's front office was.

DeRozan is making the media rounds talking about

his new book “Above the Noise,”

where he opens up further about his mental health struggles and career.

He spoke with Sam Amick of The Athletic

about the change around the NBA with mental health, how it's become a much more open topic since he and others such as Kevin Love started talking about it publicly.

It wasn't even a thing when I first came into the league. You had all your other necessities when it came to sports as far as weight training, nutritionists, film guys, workout guys. But that's kind of where it stopped. You didn't really have the personal infrastructure that was needed for certain players, especially young players.

That is changing, and it's something lasting and meaningful within the NBA that DeRozan helped get rolling that will last far longer than his impressive accomplishments on the court.