The Sacramento Kings reportedly landed free agent DeMar DeRozan on Saturday night in a three-team sign-and-trade deal that involved the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs.
Before the Kings honed in on DeRozan, they were in serious pursuit of Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen, according to Anthony Slater of The Athletic. Slater reported that the Kings felt they gave the Jazz an offer that was enough in terms of draft picks to get Markkanen, but Utah, "didn't meet" a deadline the Kings gave Utah to respond. Instead, they pivoted to DeRozan.
The Kings protected Keegan Murray in discussions around Markkanen, according to the report.
Slater also described a sense of growing doubt among others in the league that the Jazz will trade Markkanen at all. Several interested teams have reportedly kept tabs on Markkanen, including the Golden State Warriors, who made a substantial offer to no avail. Markkanen won Most Improved Player of the Year in 2023.
DeRozan was informally introduced to Kings fans Saturday at the team's California Classic debut tipping off summer league.
Sacramento sent Harrison Barnes in the deal, effectively swapping him for DeRozan. Last year, Barnes averaged 12.2 points, three rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. DeRozan averaged 24 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game.
This article was originally published on www.si.com as Kings Tried to Trade for Lauri Markkanen Before DeMar DeRozan, per Report.