According to NBA insider Sam Amick of The Athletic, DeMar DeRozan is “happy” with the Chicago Bulls.
DeRozan, who becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer, wants to re-sign with the Bulls.
“Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan is still playing at a high level and will be an unrestricted free agent after this season,” Amick wrote. “That’s typically a formula for a deal when a team is mired in mediocrity, but these Bulls will now look to keep the 34-year-old this summer. A league source with knowledge of DeRozan’s situation said he is happy there and would like to return — if the money is right.”
DeRozan is averaging 22.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.7 blocks this season while shooting 46.8% from the floor, 34.3% from 3 and 85.4% from the free-throw line. He’s making $28.6 million.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls Updates
A six-time All-Star, DeRozan signed a three-year, $85 million contract with the Bulls in August 2021 as part of a sign-and-trade deal with the San Antonio Spurs. The future Hall of Famer is averaging 25.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.5 blocks with Chicago.
Several sources told NBA Analysis Network in December that the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers were interested in acquiring DeRozan. However, the Bulls made no moves at the trade deadline even though Zach LaVine will miss the rest of the season with a foot injury.
DeRozan, 34, has career averages of 21.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.3 blocks with the Toronto Raptors, Spurs and Bulls. The USC product has made three All-NBA teams.
The Bulls are 25-27. They are in ninth place in the Eastern Conference standings. If the season ended today, DeRozan and Co. would be in the play-in tournament for the second straight year.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls Updates
It will be fascinating to see how the Bulls finish this season with LaVine out. DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic, Coby White and Alex Caruso will have to play at a high level for Chicago to stay afloat.
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