‘Something special’: DeMar DeRozan explains decision to sign with the Sacramento Kings

DeMar DeRozan said he can’t wait to light the beam when he was welcomed as the newest member of the Sacramento Kings during an introductory news conference Tuesday at Golden 1 Center.

DeRozan, a six-time All-Star and three-time All-NBA selection, expressed excitement and gratitude less than 72 hours after the Kings acquired him in a three-team sign-and-trade deal involving the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs.

“It’s beyond an honor to be a part of such an uprising franchise,” DeRozan said. “The want that they showed going into free agency was amazing. I ain’t going to lie.

“It always feels good to be wanted somewhere and from Day 1 they showed that, so it’s an honor to be able to represent this organization and build on what this organization has been doing the past couple years. It’s something special and I definitely want to be a part of it. I want to be one of the guys who hits the beam.”

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Kings signed DeRozan to a three-year, $73.7 million contract with a $10 million partial guarantee in the final year. As part of the deal, the Kings sent Harrison Barnes and an unprotected 2031 pick swap to San Antonio with Chris Duarte, two second-round picks and cash going to Chicago.

DeRozan comes to Sacramento as one of the biggest acquisitions in franchise history. He looks forward to playing for coach Mike Brown and a Kings team that features De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, Malik Monk and Keegan Murray, saying he is focused on helping Sacramento get back to the playoffs.

“The last couple days, that’s all I’ve been thinking about is putting on this jersey, representing this city, hearing the fans scream as loud as y’all can, so I’m definitely looking forward to it. It’s going to be an exciting year and I’m definitely going to work my butt off more than ever to make sure this city gets what it deserves.”

DeRozan is a 15-year NBA veteran who is known for his mid-range scoring and all-around game. He averaged 24.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.1 steals last season for the Bulls.

“DeMar is somebody who, everywhere he’s gone, has made an impact on winning,” Kings general manager Monte McNair said. “We’re excited that’s going to be here in Sacramento for the foreseeable future.”

DeRozan is already being lauded as the best free-agent signing in team history, supplanting Kings great and Naismith Memorial Hall of Famer Vlade Divac. Sacramento has struggled to attract top free agents over the years, but the Kings are trying to change that after winning 48 and 46 games over the past two seasons.

“For the organization to land somebody of DeMar’s stature is just incredible,” Kings general manager Monte McNair said. “I think it speaks to what we’ve been building here, especially the last couple years.”

DeRozan said Fox and Monk played an important role in recruiting him.

“It definitely was big,” DeRozan said. “De’Aaron and Malik were two of the first people to text me about it, and just their whole approach through the text messages, it just felt genuine. You felt the want and that was the cool part.

“I told De’Aaron yesterday I’ve been a fan of his game since college. Me being a fan of the game, I pay attention to all these guys, so them reaching out from their point of view, how much it could help, not just the team but them personally, it means a lot.”

Fans gave DeRozan a huge ovation minutes after the news broke Saturday when he walked out to take a courtside seat with Kings owner Vivek Ranadive for a California Classic game at Golden 1 Center. DeRozan

“To get the reception I got the other night was amazing,” DeRozan said. “The last couple years playing against the Kings, it’s been tough coming into his building. You feel it. There’s not many arenas in this league where you walk in and feel the atmosphere. You feel the tension in the air, feeling like you are on the road, so to get that reception the other night was amazing.

“The respect, the love that’s already been shown, it had me hungry. I think I left here that night and went straight to the gym when I got back home. The drive, the hunger, the passion that the fans show you, you just want to give it back.”