According to Chicago Bulls writer Joe Cowley, star DeMar DeRozan is expected to leave in free agency this offseason. Additionally, Cowley says that the team’s trade that shipped Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder was “the final straw” for DeRozan.
“A source told the Sun-Times late Sunday night that the Alex Caruso-Josh Giddey trade was the final straw in DeRozan’s mind for any sort of return, as the 34-year-old will now use his free agency to shop elsewhere.”
DeRozan joined the Bulls as part of a sign-and-trade with the San Antonio Spurs in 2021. In his three seasons with the Bulls, the California native averaged 25.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. Additionally, DeRozan was a two-time All-Star and one-time All-NBA Second Team selection during his Bulls tenure.
Chicago Bulls Star Expected to Leave This Summer
Reports Indicated There Was ‘Little Momentum’ For New Deal Between Chicago and DeMar DeRozan
In June, Bulls insider K.C. Johnson reported that it seemed increasingly likely DeRozan was going to leave this summer.
“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.”
Cowley’s report backs up what Johnson said, making DeRozan’s departure now seem inevitable. However, despite this, DeRozan had been open about wanting to remain in Chicago past this summer.
“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.”
Where Will DeMar DeRozan End Up?
Currently, it remains unknown which teams could have interest in acquiring the former Toronto Raptors star this summer. However, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, DeRozan could return home to California and join the Los Angeles Lakers. Recently, reports indicated that LeBron James, who declined his player option, could take a pay cut to give the team financial flexibility to sign a select pool of players. According to Windhorst, he believes DeRozan is one of the players James would take a pay cut for.
“I think there’s more than three. I think DeMar DeRozan is on that list as well. And there may be another one or so.”
As it stands, DeRozan is one of the best free agents available following Paul George‘s contract to join the Philadelphia 76ers. The 34-year-old is coming off one of the best seasons of his career and could prove useful to a team like the Lakers. Ultimately, the offseason has only just begun. However, it is possible we will find out more about DeRozan’s next destination sooner rather than later.
