Chicago Bulls general manager Marc Eversley talked about DeMar DeRozan’s future during an interview with NBA reporter Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic. Eversley said the Bulls hope DeRozan is in Chicago for the long haul.
“DeMar’s been great,” Eversley, who is entering his fourth season with the Bulls, said. “He’s been terrific for this group, not only on the court but off the court. He’s been a leader. I would love DeMar to be part of this program long term. Let’s see how that plays out and what that looks like going forward. When those conversations take place, we’ll speak about that more when that happens. But we hope Deebo’s back. He’s been an integral part of this program’s success. We hope he is here long term.”
In 74 games last season for the Bulls, DeRozan averaged 24.5 points, 4.6 rebounds and 5.1 assists while shooting 50.4% from the field and 87.2% from the free-throw line. The Compton native was 13th in the NBA in total points and 17th in points per game, once again proving that he doesn’t need to shoot or make 3-pointers to score.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan & Chicago Bulls Updates
Unfortunately for the Bulls, DeRozan’s stellar individual season didn’t result in many wins. Chicago won only 40 games and missed the 2023 NBA playoffs. The Bulls beat the Toronto Raptors in the 9-10 play-in game but lost to the Miami Heat in the 8-9 play-in game.
DeRozan will make $28.6 million next season. He becomes an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2024 and the Bulls are unlikely to sign DeRozan to an extension this year, sources told NBA Analysis Network. The future Hall of Famer is averaging 26.2 points in 150 games with Chicago and has made two All-Star teams.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan & Chicago Bulls Updates
The Bulls are 80-70 with DeRozan in the lineup. They acquired the USC product in the summer of 2021 in a sign-and-trade deal with the San Antonio Spurs. DeRozan has career NBA averages of 21.0 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.0 assists with the Raptors, Spurs and Bulls.
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