This offseason was a free-agency paradise. With big names, big moves, and big paydays, the 2024 free agency saw a boom like never before. While Paul George and Klay Thompson‘s moves headlined the summer, DeMar DeRozan‘s move slipped under the radar. That doesn’t necessarily have to be about his impact, but the Kings snapped up a smart deal to secure the 35-year-old forward.

There’s another reason why his move didn’t make headlines. And that’s the timing of it! DeRozan himself pointed that out (minus the glam part) as why he waited to make his move. Incidentally, DeMar was waiting for the field to thin out with Paul George’s move, and he admitted it during PG’s podcast itself.

During the latest episode of Podcast With P, the former Bulls star unraveled his thought process behind his move to the Kings. When asked about the deciding factor in moving to Sacramento, DeRozan pointed out, “One, I had to wait for what you was gonna do, first of all. So I’m waiting for what he was gonna do.” (After 33:00) Paul George’s free agency drama was one of the hottest stories of the offseason. After continued playoff failures, PG decided to move to the 76ers to boost his championship chances alongside Joel Embiid. DeRozan further added how he enjoyed his time in Chicago but wanted to be a part of a winning team.

“I was just looking for opportunity just to win at a high level, wherever that was gonna be. I think coming out of last season, that was kinda like my view and my approach on this upcoming season…So from there, I let the cards play out in a way to where alright, let me see what landscape or what is going in and where I could be a part of that and help with that. So, Sac came about and they were showing interest, like, real interest,” DeRozan further added. But the Kings weren’t the only ones showing interest. As the revelation continued, more names were let out of the bag, who were sniffing around DeRozan.

DeMar DeRozan reveals the names of interested parties chasing him in the summer

With the franchises aiming to upgrade their rosters for the impending battle, DeMar DeRozan hitting free agency was a blessing. Understandably, multiple teams were eager to add the 6-time NBA All-Star before DeRozan ultimately moved closer to home. But that move could’ve been much closer, as revealed in the same podcast.

When asked about the possibility of moving to other franchises, DeRozan said, “Philly definitely was a option. You know, Lakers was a option always. Clipper was a option. And the Heat was a option. I said, those teams for sure was a real personal, legitimate option for me to, you know, that I was considering.”

The Lakers were eager for a star addition to the roster this summer. According to Brian Windhorst, LeBron James even agreed to take a pay cut to ease the franchise’s financial constraints to sign DeRozan. Playing for the LAL would’ve been special for DeRozan, who’s straight out of Compton. But thanks to the delay, the deal never materialized. Would it be fair for the Lakers fans to blame PG for the franchise’s flunked attempt at signing DeMar DeRozan? Share your views.