The Chicago Bulls have a chance to re-sign star DeMar DeRozan before he even hits the open market, and a team insider revealed the likely cost it would take to bring back the six-time All-Star.
While this has been another lost season in Chicago, 15-year veteran DeMar DeRozan has been one of the few bright spots in 2023-24. Although his numbers are down from his best season in Chi-Town (2021-2022), the 34-year-old has been Mr. Consistent for the team over the last five months as he plays his most minutes since he was a 24-year-old with the Toronto Raptors.
- DeMar DeRozan stats (2023-24): 23.2 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.0 SPG, 34% 3PT
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However, after this season DeRozan will be eligible to hit the open market and try to land one last fat deal before he eventually brings his career to an end in the next few years. On Thursday, NBC Sports Chicago NBA reporter KC Johnson was asked by a fan about DeRozan’s future in the Windy City.
The Bulls insider felt the team needs to try and act soon before he hits free agency because there will be a market for his services this summer. Furthermore, he suggested the likely cost to bring DeRozan back next season and beyond.
DeMar DeRozan will be looking for a big raise this summer
“As for DeRozan, he knows he has outplayed his contract. He’s big on respect,” Johnson wrote. “And I was told recently that he will have a market this offseason, so the Bulls would probably be best served by not letting him hit free agency. I think the most likely outcome is a shorter-term deal at a significant annual figure — maybe two years at $70-74 million with a team option for a third year.
- DeMar DeRozan contract projection: 2 years, $70-$74 million
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“Just guessing there. He’s eligible to sign a three-year, $130 million deal before unrestricted free agency begins on July 1.”
There are rumors Lonzo Ball could finally return next season, and the Chicago Bulls will look to improve the roster by trading disgruntled star Zach LaVine, and in the June NBA Draft. So the team could get back to being a playoff contender with DeRozan’s help next season.