Think back to this time last year, as it was just announced that DeMar DeRozan was set to sign with the Chicago Bulls. Did you think it was a great move? Probably not. It did seem a bit puzzling for most at the time, as he was coming off two solid but unspectacular seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, and the fact that he was a below-average shooter from beyond the arc, only raised more questions.
Some publications and executives around the league even went as far as to say that it was the worst move of the offseason, as pointed out by u/BlockOfTheYear. While it was right to ask some questions on acquiring him, terming it as the worst move was definitely going a step too far.
It was a sign and trade, with DeRozan putting pen to paper on a 3-year, $85 million deal, as the Bulls gave up Thaddeus Young, Al-Farouq Aminu, a protected first-round pick, and two second-round picks, hardly a scandalous deal. They would have expected him to provide a consistent scoring option and a veteran presence, as not even the Bulls and DeRozan himself could have foreseen what was to come next.
DeMar would have his best season as a professional in 2021-22, as he averaged a career-high 27.9 points per game which earned him All-NBA Second Team honors. He led the Bulls to the playoffs for the first time since 2017 and while they were knocked out in the first round, you have to wonder how differently things would have panned out if they were healthy all season.
DeRozan recently spoke about being depressed during free agency last year as he wasn’t sure where he would end up, but it is safe to say he is quite happy with how things have turned out.
