DeMar DeRozan Celtics Fit
DeMar DeRozan became one of the most discussed veteran free agents of the 2026 NBA offseason after the Sacramento Kings released him. The six-time All-Star had been linked with several teams, and the Boston Celtics emerged as one of the potential destinations discussed during free agency.
However, the Celtics fit ultimately remained a possibility rather than a completed move. DeRozan chose the Denver Nuggets, agreeing to a one-year, $3.9 million contract after Sacramento waived him.
The Boston connection made sense from a basketball perspective. DeRozan remains an experienced scorer who can create his own shot, attack the mid-range and provide another option in half-court offense.
At 37 years old, though, DeRozan is no longer the high-volume All-Star scorer he was during his prime. His value is now more closely tied to veteran leadership, scoring versatility and his ability to produce efficiently in a defined offensive role.
Why DeRozan Could Have Fit Boston
A potential DeRozan Celtics fit would have centered on offensive creation.
Boston has traditionally emphasized three-point shooting and spacing, but adding a veteran who is comfortable creating shots from the mid-range could have provided a different offensive dimension.
DeRozan’s ability to operate with the ball could also have reduced some of the creative burden on Boston’s primary stars. He has spent much of his career handling difficult late-clock possessions and creating shots when an offense breaks down.
Another advantage would have been experience.
DeRozan has played 17 NBA seasons and appeared in 1,264 regular-season games. His long career includes six All-Star selections and three All-NBA selections.
That experience could have made him an intriguing veteran option for a Celtics team looking to add proven scoring without giving up major assets.
Why Boston Was Not the Final Destination
Despite the reported interest, DeRozan did not join Boston.
After being waived by Sacramento, he had multiple teams interested in his services. The Denver Nuggets eventually won the race, signing him to a one-year contract worth $3.9 million. Reuters reported that DeRozan chose Denver over interested teams that included the Miami Heat, Washington Wizards and New Orleans Pelicans.
The move gives DeRozan an opportunity to play alongside Nikola Jokic and compete for another championship opportunity.
For Boston, meanwhile, the DeRozan possibility remains a “what if” rather than part of the team’s current roster.
DeMar DeRozan All-Time Scoring List
DeRozan’s longevity has pushed him into elite territory on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
In April 2026, DeRozan passed Oscar Robertson’s 26,710 career points and moved into 16th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
He had previously moved past Boston Celtics legends John Havlicek and Paul Pierce in February 2026. Havlicek finished his career with 26,395 points, while Pierce had 26,397.
That achievement is particularly notable because both players spent their entire or most significant careers with Boston and are among the franchise’s greatest scorers.
DeRozan finished the 2025-26 regular season with 26,711 career points, placing him 16th in NBA history at the time of the offseason.
His position on the list demonstrates the remarkable consistency he has maintained throughout his career.
DeMar DeRozan Career Stats
Through the end of the 2025-26 regular season, DeRozan had appeared in 1,264 games and averaged 21.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game for his career.
His career shooting numbers include a 47.1% field-goal percentage, 30.2% three-point percentage and 84.3% free-throw percentage.
DeMar DeRozan Career Numbers
| Category | Career |
|---|---|
| Games | 1,264 |
| Points per game | 21.1 |
| Rebounds per game | 4.3 |
| Assists per game | 4.1 |
| Steals per game | 1.0 |
| Blocks per game | 0.3 |
| Field-goal percentage | 47.1% |
| 3-point percentage | 30.2% |
| Free-throw percentage | 84.3% |
| All-Star selections | 6 |
| All-NBA selections | 3 |
These numbers underline how productive DeRozan has been over a career that began in 2009.
DeMar DeRozan 2025-26 Stats
DeRozan’s final season with Sacramento produced another solid statistical campaign.
He played 77 games, starting all 77, and averaged:
- 18.4 points
- 2.9 rebounds
- 4.1 assists
- 1.0 steal
- 0.3 blocks
- 49.7% field-goal shooting
- 32.0% three-point shooting
- 86.8% free-throw shooting
He also averaged 31.2 minutes per game.
Although his scoring average was below his career mark, DeRozan remained highly efficient from the field. His 49.7% shooting percentage was better than his career 47.1% mark.
His 2025-26 season also demonstrated his durability. DeRozan appeared in 77 of Sacramento’s games, continuing a remarkable run of availability late in his career. Reuters reported that he had played at least 70 games in each of the previous five seasons.
DeRozan’s Career High
DeRozan’s career scoring high remains 52 points, which he recorded against the Milwaukee Bucks on January 1, 2018.
That performance came during one of the strongest scoring periods of his career. He became known for his ability to generate points through drives, pull-up jumpers and free throws.
His 2025-26 season also produced a 41-point performance against the Utah Jazz on March 15, 2026.
DeRozan’s Playing Style
DeRozan has built his career around one of the NBA’s most recognizable offensive styles.
His mid-range game has been his trademark. Rather than relying heavily on three-point attempts, he has frequently attacked from the elbows, wings and short corners.
He is also a strong driver who can use his size and footwork to get into the paint. Once there, DeRozan has historically been effective at drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line.
That offensive profile makes him different from many modern perimeter scorers.
His three-point shooting has improved compared with the early portion of his career, but it remains a secondary part of his offensive arsenal. Basketball Reference lists his career three-point percentage at 30.2%.
DeMar DeRozan and the Celtics’ Scoring History
The Celtics connection became even more interesting after DeRozan passed Paul Pierce and John Havlicek on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
Boston’s franchise scoring leaderboard is headed by Havlicek with 26,395 points.
DeRozan eventually moved beyond that total despite never playing for Boston.
That does not mean DeRozan ranks among the Celtics’ franchise scorers, because those statistics belong to players who scored their points while wearing Boston’s uniform. Instead, the comparison highlights how much scoring production DeRozan accumulated during his career.
DeRozan’s NBA Journey
DeRozan entered the NBA after USC and was selected by the Toronto Raptors with the ninth overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft.
Toronto became the foundation of his career. He eventually became one of the franchise’s most important players and developed into a four-time All-Star with the Raptors.
He later played for the San Antonio Spurs and Chicago Bulls before joining the Sacramento Kings.
His time with Chicago produced another All-Star selection in 2022-23, while his two seasons in Sacramento added another chapter to an already lengthy career. NBA.com confirmed that DeRozan spent his final two seasons with the Kings before the team released him in July 2026.
What Comes Next for DeMar DeRozan?
The next chapter is now clear: DeRozan is heading to Denver.
The Nuggets agreed to a one-year, $3.9 million contract with the veteran forward after he became a free agent.
The move gives Denver another experienced scorer and gives DeRozan a chance to play alongside Jokic and pursue the championship that has remained missing from his résumé.
His role could be different from the one he had earlier in his career. Instead of being asked to carry an offense, DeRozan can potentially focus on secondary scoring and half-court shot creation.
Final Verdict on the DeMar DeRozan Celtics Fit
The DeMar DeRozan Celtics fit was understandable on paper, particularly because Boston could have used another veteran capable of creating offense in difficult situations.
However, the Celtics did not ultimately land him. DeRozan chose the Denver Nuggets on a one-year, $3.9 million deal.
Regardless of the destination, his career résumé remains impressive. DeRozan enters the next stage of his career as a six-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA selection and 16th-ranked scorer in NBA history with 26,711 points.
At 37, he may no longer be the centerpiece of a franchise, but his scoring instincts, durability and extensive NBA experience continue to make him a valuable veteran.
FAQs
Is DeMar DeRozan joining the Boston Celtics?
No. Boston was discussed as a potential fit during free agency, but DeRozan ultimately signed with the Denver Nuggets on a one-year, $3.9 million contract.
What is DeMar DeRozan’s rank on the all-time scoring list?
DeRozan is 16th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, with 26,711 regular-season points after the 2025-26 season.
What are DeMar DeRozan’s career stats?
Through 1,264 regular-season games, DeRozan has averaged 21.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. He has shot 47.1% from the field and 84.3% from the free-throw line.
What were DeMar DeRozan’s 2025-26 stats?
DeRozan averaged 18.4 points, 2.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 77 games for Sacramento while shooting 49.7% from the field.
Which team did DeMar DeRozan sign with in 2026?
DeRozan signed a one-year, $3.9 million contract with the Denver Nuggets after being released by the Sacramento Kings.
How many All-Star selections does DeMar DeRozan have?
DeRozan has been selected to six NBA All-Star teams and has earned three All-NBA selections.
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