DeMar DeRozan looked poised to make a return to Los Angeles either with the Lakers or Clippers. Instead, he took a different direction, leaving San Antonio for Chicago, joining an exciting Bulls team on a three-year, $85 million deal.
The 6x NBA champions made a quick move for DeRozan, convincing the player to forget his initial plans and land in a team with a bright future. After the Los Angeles Lakers failed to land DeMar, the Clippers were an excellent candidate to take the veteran’s services.
Unfortunately, the Bulls moved quicker, snatching a big signing from the Clips’ hands, completing a terrific free agency. Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reports that the Clippers didn’t even have the chance to meet with DeRozan. His agent, Aaron Goodwin, canceled the meeting with the Clippers, making it clear his client was not entertaining any more offers.
“The Clippers’ brass were driving,” Haynes said, via SI’s All Clippers. “They were on their way to DeMar’s house. Things got a little more interesting with the Bulls. DeMar DeRozan’s agent, Aaron Goodwin…called the Clippers out of courtesy and was like ‘you know what, let’s not waste anybody’s time. Out of respect for you guys, let’s cancel this meeting.’”
First 48-hour free-agency Posted Up w/ C. Haynes Pod feat @VinceGoodwill. Impressive front office of Bulls, retooled Lakers, CP3 effect, what I anticipate Damian Lillard doing & what happened to DeMar DeRozan & Clippers.
🎥: https://t.co/rcaaSJraHO pic.twitter.com/3KiaOeNWnO
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) August 4, 2021
The Clippers didn’t have the money the Bulls put on the table, which made things harder. In the end, DeRozan picked Chicago as his new home, playing with a team that can make a lot of noise next season.
“DeMar DeRozan was not going to any team and taking the Mid-Level,” he added. “He wasn’t. Not the full Mid-Level, not the Tax-Payer Mid-Level. He wasn’t having it.”
Now Los Angeles will try to re-sign point guard Reggie Jackson, who raised his stocks during the 2021 NBA playoff. Kawhi Leonard is yet to sign a contract extension with the team, too, so the Clippers have more jobs to do in the next couple of days.
