The Chicago Bulls entered the offseason with many expecting the organization to run it back with its core of players, including a re-signing of DeMar DeRozan. Now, following the Alex Caruso trade, Chicago reportedly could shift course.
Chicago traded Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Josh Giddey. It was followed by reports that guard Lonzo Ball might not be back with the team next season. All of it is causing a shift in how teams around the league believe DeRozan will handle NBA free agency.
- DeMar DeRozan stats (2023-’24): 24 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.1 SPG, 48% FG
Related: Chicago Bulls turned down stronger Alex Caruso trade offer in-season
NBA rumors in May all pointed toward DeRozan signing a new deal with Chicago, with the team maintaining the ‘status quo’ and DeRozan receiving a lucrative contract. However, there now seems to be a real possibility for a split.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, there is now question around the league about DeRozan potentially turning down the Bulls and signing with another team this summer.
“One of the loudest questions bouncing around the league at the minute is thus: Will DeRozan be more available in free agency than expected now once the marketplace officially opens on June 30 at 6 PM ET?. Likewise: Will DeRozan even want to return to the Bulls?”
Marc Stein on DeMar DeRozan and NBA free agency
Related: Chicago Bulls desperately trying to make Zach LaVine trade
DeRozan, entering his age-35 season, didn’t receive an All-Star selection last season but the California native averaged over 20 points and 5 assists per game for the first time since 2021.
A departure for the veteran guard would signal a potential changing of the guard in Chicago, even potentially pushing the team towards a rebuild. However, losing DeRozan in free agency would also be a reminder of the Bulls’ inactivity at the NBA trade deadline last season.
