DeMar DeRozan had plenty of “legitimate” options to choose from during NBA free agency but ended up signing with the Kings for a handful of reasons.
On the latest episode of "Podcast P with Paul George," the 35-year-old star revealed why he passed on the Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and Miami Heat for a new challenge with Sacramento.
Ironically, George’s recent move to Philadelphia influenced DeRozan's decision.
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Oh, and, of course, winning.
"One, and this is funny, I had to wait for what you were going to do," DeRozan told George. "So I'm waiting for what you were going to do, first of all. I had a hell of a time in Chicago. I had some hell of a teammates in Chicago. Great city, great place. I think I was just looking for an opportunity just to win at a high level, wherever that was going to be. I think coming out of last season, that was my view and my approach on this upcoming season.
“So, when the season ended, I just took a seat back. Everybody knew I’m in a place where I just want to win, so from there I just let the cards play out in a way to where, ‘All right, let me see what landscape or what is going to win, and where I can be a part of that and help with that.’ ”
In search of a perennial and proven scorer to help De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis on offense, the Kings pursued six-time All-Star DeRozan, who had been impressed by coach Mike Brown’s team and culture over the last few seasons.
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“Sac came about and they were showing interest,” DeRozan recalled. “Like, real interest. So when I sat back and looked at it and analyzed the team: great players, great coach. I just remember the last couple of years always seeing them lighting this damn beam and winning.”
In early July, the Kings struck a sign-and-trade deal with the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs, sending DeRozan to Sacramento on a three-year, $76 million contract.
Now, the star guard’s hopes he can leverage his scoring prowess in order to light more beams over Sacramento.
“They for sure have a movement,” DeRozan concluded. “And that’s one thing you always definitely want to be a part of is a contagious culture of an organization that wants to win. When I looked at all that, it just felt like it fit. It was a big key piece that I can bring from a leadership standpoint and definitely skills standpoint that can push us over the edge. It became more and more appealing as I weighed it.
“I took a while to sign because I wanted to make sure the next decision I made gave me the best opportunity to win. I’m definitely looking forward to it.”