After another disappointing season in which the Chicago Bulls failed to make the NBA playoffs, the storied franchise has tough choices to make during the offseason to get this team back on the right track and in contention in the Eastern Conference.
One of those decisions is what to do with veteran guard DeMar DeRozan, who will become an unrestricted free agent this summer and will almost certainly have his fair share of suitors on the open market, as he is still as productive as ever.
Although DeRozan hasn’t exactly adapted to the way the game has changed over the years in terms of an emphasis on outside shooting, the 34-year-old remains one of the best scoring guards in the league today and a valuable asset to the Bulls as well as an intriguing option in free agency for many teams.
That said, the Bulls will have some competition to sign DeRozan this summer; it seems as though Chicago will be offering more money than other teams might be willing to pay a 34-year-old guard, according to Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic via NBA Central.
“The Bulls would be happy to re-sign DeRozan on a two-year deal,” Mayberry said. “DeRozan’s side obviously would covet more security. The Bulls have a habit of liberally latching player options into contracts so that carrot could come into play with DeRozan’s deal as well. The dollar amount will be hefty, likely north of $40 million annually, but is less significant to the Bulls’ long-term flexibility. Chicago wants to keep DeRozan but at a reasonable commitment.”
DeMar DeRozan could receive up to $40M per season, per @DarnellMayberry
“The Bulls would be happy to re-sign DeRozan on a two-year deal. DeRozan’s side obviously would covet more security. The Bulls have a habit of liberally latching player options into contracts so that carrot… pic.twitter.com/wIwOG6yAWZ
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 4, 2024
At this point in his career, DeRozan might be leaning toward wanting to contend for a championship, as he has still yet to lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy and isn’t getting any younger.
However, the money and security of multiple years might be too good to pass up.
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