The situation with DeMar DeRozan is the major domino the Chicago Bulls need to fall. One of two things will happen. Either he signs a short deal to return to the team for another season, or they work out a sign-and-trade with another team hoping to land him. Initial reports indicate the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers are the two teams trying to find a way to land him. The Lakers are trying to find another star to help an aging LeBron James, while the Clippers must replace the departed Paul George.
Former Miami Herald writer and NBA insider Barry Jackson revealed new details on the situation. It appears two more teams, the Sacramento Kings and the San Antonio Spurs, are sniffing around DeRozan.
This isn’t a surprise. Both teams are looking to challenge in the West next season and need another scoring presence to make it happen. DeRozan has an outstanding midrange game and creativity and is at his best in the fourth quarter. He could be a great mentor to some of the young players on those teams.
It depends on what kind of money he’s seeking. If he wants another strong long-term deal, that is problematic. He’s 34 and won’t be at his peak much longer. The goal would be to get him locked up for two or three years at an acceptable number for both sides. It will also be about what compensation the Bulls are seeking. Maybe they will want a young player for their reshaping roster or a 1st round draft pick. If it’s the former, the Kings are probably the best equipped with a number of young players they can send back. If it’s draft compensation, the Spurs are the team to call. They have potentially three 1st round picks in 2025 alone.
Nobody controls this situation more than DeMar DeRozan himself. All indications are that he’s ready to move on from Chicago, hoping to latch on with a contender while they continue their youth movement. The high interest from so many teams could be good for the Bulls’ chances of getting a quality return. Pushing it across the finish is always the hard part. This feels like an important moment for Arturas Karnisovas.
