The Boston Celtics rank as the leading potential destination for free agent DeMar DeRozan, a five-time All-Star whose addition could bolster the team’s reshaped roster following a major offseason move.
A ranking released Tuesday by Bleacher Report national writer Dan Favale listed the Celtics ahead of the Miami Heat and Utah Jazz as the top landing spot for the veteran forward.
DeRozan became available after the Sacramento Kings waived him earlier this month. He had signed a three-year contract worth about $73.9 million with Sacramento in 2024 through a sign-and-trade involving the Chicago Bulls.
The Celtics recently traded five-time All-Star Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers. In return, Boston received Paul George along with two first-round draft picks and two second-round selections.
Those incoming selections include a 2028 pick originally belonging to the Los Angeles Clippers and an unprotected choice in 2031.
Adding DeRozan would address concerns about consistent scoring production. George has dealt with injuries in past seasons, and newly acquired point guard Mike Conley is late in his career.
Analysts on Yahoo Sports’ “The Dunker Spot” podcast noted that pairing DeRozan with Jayson Tatum and George could help solve possession-creation issues for the Celtics while providing insurance if George misses time.
DeRozan played in 77 games last season with the Kings. He averaged more than 18 points and four assists while shooting 52.7 percent on two-point attempts.
His game does not feature heavy three-point volume, which differs from the style preferred by Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla. DeRozan also typically requires significant ball-handling opportunities to be effective.
He could even serve as a temporary starting option alongside Tatum, George, Derrick White and Mitchell Robinson.
DeRozan’s salary for the 2026-27 season stood at $25.74 million under his previous deal, though only $10 million was fully guaranteed. With 17 years of NBA experience, his minimum salary floor is $3,876,529. A one-year veteran minimum deal would count just $2,449,421 against a team’s books, with the league covering the rest.
Boston’s projected tax payroll currently sits near $198.7 million, close to the $200.4 million threshold. Signing DeRozan would push the club over the line, though a subsequent minor trade could restore flexibility as the franchise works to avoid repeater tax status.
Born Aug. 7, 1989, in Compton, California, the 6-foot-6 DeRozan played one college season at USC. He was selected ninth overall by the Toronto Raptors in the 2009 draft and later became that franchise’s all-time leading scorer.
Over his career spanning 1,264 games, DeRozan has averaged 21.1 points and 4.1 assists. He has earned three All-NBA selections, five All-Star appearances and an Olympic gold medal from the 2016 Rio Games.
