Forward DeMar DeRozan is one of the best players on the Chicago Bulls right now, and he is a scorer that thrives in the midrange. Despite his ability, his future with the franchise is unclear as of right now. DeRozan is in the last year of his contract with the team and could end up leaving in 2024 free agency.
NBA insider Shams Charania provided the latest update on DeRozan’s contract situation with the Bulls.
“When you think about the future of the Bulls, they have Zach LaVine locked in long-term. They give Nikola Vucevic a three-year extension in the summer,” Charania said. “DeMar DeRozan is on an expiring contract right now. He’s extension eligible. The Bulls want to bring DeMar DeRozan back, whether that’s in an extension or free agency.
“They’ve been talking about an extension, but I’m told that the sides are apart right now on multiple fronts. In years, salary, and also, DeMar DeRozan wants to see where this Bulls team goes.”
"They've been talking about an extension, but I'm told that the sides are apart right now on multiple fronts."@ShamsCharania on Demar DeRozan and the Chicago Bulls.@FanDuelTV pic.twitter.com/lt34MBFGOz
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) October 26, 2023
It makes sense that the Bulls want to retain DeRozan: he is a good player, and they can always move him later on if they need to. He helps them both immediately on the court and as an asset in the future. The two sides being apart in the contract terms also makes sense, as DeRozan likely wants financial security in his potential last contract in the league, while the Bulls want to make sure that they don’t overpay an aging star.
During the 2022-23 regular season, DeRozan averaged 24.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game for the Bulls. He is clearly still an All-Star-level player, and hopefully, he and the Bulls can come to terms sooner rather than later.
The Bulls Have Had Trade Talks About Zach LaVine
This past summer, the Bulls could have gone in multiple directions, however, ultimately, they elected to stick things out with their current core. However, the Bulls did have trade talks about Zach LaVine, but nobody wanted to match their price.
“Rival teams have checked in with the Bulls about LaVine’s availability, team and league sources told ESPN, but no team has been willing to meet Chicago’s reportedly large asking price. LaVine, 28, is owed $129 million over the next three seasons and owns a $48.9 million dollar player option in 2026-27.”
It makes sense that teams don’t want to take the risk on LaVine. He is a player that has had an injury history, and if he declines the contract could really cripple a team’s flexibility. However, there are likely to be at least some teams willing to take the risk on LaVine given his ability at some point in the future if the Bulls lower their asking price.
It’s Now Or Never For The Chicago Bulls
The Bulls need to win a championship sooner rather than later, given the status of their current core. DeRozan is 34 years old as of right now, and Vucevic is 33 years old. The team needs to find a way to win this year or rebuild.
Though a lot of people wanted the Bulls to rebuild this offseason, it is clear that the team is waiting until at least the trade deadline to make any big moves. That approach also makes sense, as the team is waiting to see what they have this year.
Hopefully, we see the Chicago Bulls find some level of success. DeRozan will be a key part of making things happen for them in terms of winning, and we’ll see how the star performs this year.
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