The Chicago Bulls are 9.5 games out of first place in the Eastern Conference entering NBA games today, and their 2-8 record in the past 10 contests suggests their struggles are only just beginning. Despite boasting three All-Star players in DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Nikola Vucevic, the Bulls just haven’t been able to gain any ground after missing the playoffs in 2022.
Their frustrations began early on, with a 20-point loss in their home opener. This led to a players-only meeting right after the game ended. Then, the Bulls won two of their next three games. But Chicago has since lost 12 of 16 games they’ve played.
It’s gotten to the point where the Bulls are willing to listen to trade offers on several of their top players, including their All-Star trio.
DeMar DeRozan interested in joining Miami Heat or New York Knicks
For DeRozan, who’s 34 years old and is still chasing his first NBA Finals win, the allure of competing for a playoff spot could outweigh his current desire to continue playing for the Bulls.
According to The Athletic‘s Sam Amick, if DeRozan is traded by the Bulls, he’d prefer to land with either the Miami Heat or New York Knicks.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers are said to have interest in adding DeRozan, along with fan favorite Alex Caruso.
DeRozan has an expiring contract worth $28.6 million, which should appeal to several teams around the NBA looking to add talent in free agency during the 2024 offseason. Then again, DeRozan’s on-court ability could also help strengthen a current contender’s roster ahead of a playoff run. Still averaging 21 points per game, DeRozan has plenty left in the tank.
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