The Chicago Bulls need to find a solution involving another important player, 15-year veteran DeMar DeRozan, as they wait for a better trade offer for All-Star guard Zach LaVine.
DeRozan signed a three-year contract with the Bulls in 2021, and he was in the final year of the deal in 2023–2024. August is his 35th birthday, so this might be his last chance to sign a big long-term contract. During the regular season, DeRozan, a very talented offensive player, averaged 24.0 points and 5.3 points per game. He has averaged at least 20 points and four assists a game for ten of the previous eleven seasons, which is quite consistent.
In a period of unpredictability, the Bulls need that on-court steadiness more than anything. It might make him more useful to Chicago than he is to any team when paired with his leadership.
Bulls Have Extended Offer to DeMar DeRozan for a Contract
“The Bulls recently offered DeRozan’s representative a two-year deal at a high annual salary, perhaps as much as $40 million per season,” according to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago.
DeRozan earned $28.6 million in 2023–24, so the Bulls are hoping to contract him again for a steep discount. Yes, he will have to give up over a third of his prior income. Even if it’s a bitter pill to swallow, DeRozan ought to give the offer some serious thought.
This summer, only four teams—the Detroit Pistons ($60.5 million), the Philadelphia 76ers ($56.2 million), the Utah Jazz ($37.9 million), and the Oklahoma City Thunder ($35.4 million)—are expected to have at least $30 million in cap space.
The Pistons and Jazz are two of those teams that are rebuilding. If DeRozan thinks the Sixers or Thunder will outbid the Bulls, then playing hardball makes sense. But he shouldn’t.
Round Hole, Square Fit
Potential free agents like Paul George and Klay Thompson have been connected to Philadelphia. They therefore appear to desire a wing with a more proficient 3-point shooting ability than DeRozan provides. Such a guy aligns with the offensive philosophies of Nick Nurse and Daryl Morey, who both emphasize the 3-ball. It’s possible that the Sixers would accommodate DeRozan, but it’s not certain.
Near, but Not Near Enough
It makes more aesthetic sense to live in Oklahoma City.
The Thunder squad, led by head coach Mark Daigneault, also regularly uses the 3-ball. Nevertheless, DeRozan can utilize his scoring prowess to create space for others to shoot or act as an offensive hub when working alone. Furthermore, a young, emerging club that is making its postseason debut this year would benefit from his experience and veteran savvy.
But this offseason, the Thunder must strengthen their big man depth and perimeter. That begs the question of how much, even if they were interested, they could afford to pay for DeRozan.
“DeRozan is seeking a longer-term deal,” according to Dark Horse Candidate, but “that merely be part of negotiations.” In order to accomplish this, he might be able to persuade Chicago to extend the contract by one more year, which would allow him to play out the remainder of his illustrious career. If he is unable to obtain that from the Bulls, a surprise candidate might be willing to sign him in free agency.
After playing with the San Antonio Spurs for three seasons, DeRozan may try to return. It’s also possible that they will outbid the Bulls with an estimated $27.6 million in cap space this offseason. On paper, they don’t provide the seasoned fighter an opportunity to contend for a title, but given Victor Wembanyama’s incredible talent, everything is possible.
Upon his arrival, DeRozan will stabilize the Spurs offense. Having DeRozan’s playmaking available to them significantly improves their halfcourt dynamics as a club that desperately needs a point guard. The same is true of his scoring skills; if Wembanyama makes the necessary offseason progress, he’ll be their most dependable one-on-one scorer.
