The Chicago Bulls have already kicked off their offseason with a surprising trade that shipped Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Josh Giddey. And as it stands, it is likely the Bulls are going to have a busy summer. Star DeMar DeRozan, who has been with the team since 2021, is an unrestricted free agent this summer. Currently, according to Bulls insider K.C. Johnson, there is “little momentum” for a new contract between both sides.
“Giddey’s acquisition, which Artūras Karnišovas will address following Wednesday’s first round, could signal an open-mindedness to getting off the middle-of-the-road path of mediocrity that the Bulls are on currently. It certainly calls into question the future of DeMar DeRozan, who will be an unrestricted free agent on June 30 unless the Bulls re-sign him first. As of late last week, little momentum existed for a new deal.”
In his three seasons with Chicago, DeRozan is a two-time All-Star. For the 2021-22 season, he finished in the top 10 for MVP voting and was selected to the All-NBA Second Team. Furthermore, DeRozan has finished in the top three for Clutch Player of the Year voting in the last two seasons.
“Little Momentum” Towards New Deal for Bulls Star
DeMar DeRozan Wants to Stay With the Chicago Bulls
Despite Johnson’s report, DeRozan has made it clear he does not want to go anywhere this summer. In an interview for FanDuel’s Run It Back, DeRozan said he “would love to return to” Chicago.
.@DeMar_DeRozan wants to stay in Chicago 🙌
“The city is great, I love the city, the organization been great—it’s definitely a place I would love to return to, and take care of unfinished business.” 👏 #Bulls pic.twitter.com/OCT6fMJlMV
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) May 15, 2024
Additionally, the 34-year-old says he wants to be a part of a winning team.
“My stance on wanting to be here is still the same, but I just want to win,” said DeRozan, who will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. “Just have the opportunity to win and not [have] to go home to see the first round of the playoffs, second round of the playoffs. It’s frustrating.”
The Chicago Bulls Gave DeMar DeRozan an Offer
In April, it was reported that the Bulls gave DeRozan a contract offer worth $80 million for two years. However, the report also indicated that DeRozan is aiming for a “longer-term deal.”
“A source said the Bulls recently offered DeRozan’s representative a two-year deal at a high annual salary, perhaps as much as $40 million per season. For now, DeRozan is seeking a longer-term deal, but that merely be part of negotiations.”
The former Toronto Raptors star has played in the league since 2009. By the beginning of next season, he will be 35 years old. It is very possible that this will be DeRozan’s final contract in the NBA. Because of this, it makes sense to want stability and a long-term commitment to get the most value now.
It is clear the two sides want a reunion. Whether it happens or not remains unknown.
