Andrew Buller-Russ
Now that Damian Lillard has found a new home, eyes are tuned into the James Harden situation, but basketball fans want to know the next All-Star who could be traded. One NBA insider suggests three-time All-NBA scorer DeMar DeRozan as a player who may be on the move next.
Here’s what ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said on Thursday’s segment of First Take.
“One guy to keep an eye on, for everybody, the whole league, this year is DeMar DeRozan. If he doesn’t extend with the Bulls, I think he becomes a trade target as the season goes along.”
Brian Windhorst on DeMar DeRozan trade rumors
DeRozan, 34, is set to enter his third season with the Chicago Bulls, but as Windhorst states, he’s also up for an extension as he heads into the final year of his contract. The six-time All-Star is set to play the 2023-24 season on a $28.6 million salary.
- DeMar DeRozan’s stats with Bulls (2022): 24.5 PPG, 5.1 APG, 4.6 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 50.4% FG
DeRozan’s been one of the Bulls’ best two players from the moment he arrived in Chicago, helping them reach the playoffs in 2021. He’s averaged a career-high 26.2 PPG in a Bulls uniform, but establishing a fair contract value hasn’t happened yet.
Will DeRozan find what he wants in Chicago, or will he be forced to seek a bigger payment elsewhere? Based on Windhorst’s report, it’s clear there are several other teams who’d be interested in adding the former Raptors and Spurs star.
Related: NBA trade rumors: Latest buzz on New York Knicks, James Harden and more
