NBA Rumors: DeMar DeRozan linked to Eastern team if Kings acquire Jonathan Kuminga

The situation surrounding Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors is one of the most closely watched topics in the NBA right now. The young forward could leave San Francisco this summer, and the Sacramento Kings have emerged as a leading destination. If that deal goes through, DeMar DeRozan could be on his way to a team in the East.

“I believe that there is a handshake agreement between DeMar DeRozan and the Sacramento Kings,” reporter Allen Stiles said on Sactown Sports 1140. “If Jonathan Kuminga is acquired by Sacramento, the Kings will get their butts in gear as far as getting DeRozan to another team.”

It’s no secret that Sacramento is one of the most likely landing spots for Kuminga, whose future in Golden State remains uncertain. The 22-year-old forward doesn’t appear interested in staying, given the limited role he’s had under coach Steve Kerr in recent seasons.

On top of that, Kuminga is seeking a long-term, high-value contract — ideally from a team that can offer him a more prominent role. The Kings have emerged as one of the leading candidates alongside the Phoenix Suns.

If Kuminga does join Sacramento, Stiles speculated that it could trigger a domino effect, sending DeRozan to the Miami Heat. “You just take Terry Rozier, two seconds, and it’s essentially a salary dump,” the Sactown Sports 1140 host reasoned.

“There are people in this space — they never want to lose a trade or the perception of losing a trade,” Stiles added. “Obviously you’re not getting a player back that’s as good as DeMar DeRozan, but DeMar DeRozan gets to go to a contender, and you’re gonna get money that’s eventually gonna come off the books — if Terry Rozier even plays.”

In that scenario, the Kings would part ways with a high-level player in DeRozan and receive Rozier plus a pair of second-round draft picks. On the surface, that doesn’t look like a great return, but with Kuminga already in place, it could be part of a larger long-term strategy.

Rozier is under contract for one more season, earning $26,643,031 during the 2025–26 NBA campaign, according to Spotrac. The Kings would need to carry that cap hit for one year, but after that, they’d gain significant financial flexibility — opening the door to build a roster centered around Kuminga.

Meanwhile, the move would be a major boost for the Heat. Rozier hasn’t had a significant impact lately. He started the 2024–25 season as an important piece of the team but quickly fell out of favor with coach Erik Spoelstra. Adding DeRozan to a core that includes Tyler Herro, Norman Powell, and Bam Adebayo could give Miami a compelling new dynamic.