DeMar DeRozan reportedly plans to join another NBA team in this summer’s free agency after spending the last three seasons with the Chicago Bulls.
After stating his desire to stay with the Chicago Bulls a few weeks ago, the 34-year-old has seemingly changed his mind recently because of one key move done by the front office, if reports are to be believed.
“A source told the Sun-Times late Sunday night that the Alex Caruso-Josh Giddey trade was the final straw in DeRozan’s mind for any sort of return, as the 34-year-old will now use his free agency to shop elsewhere,” Chicago Sun-Times’ Joe Cowley wrote in his latest column.
Credit: AP Photo
Before free agency began, the Chicago Bulls traded Alex Caruso in exchange for Josh Giddey to improve their playmaking, especially with Lonzo Ball still sidelined by injuries.
This may have signaled to DeMar DeRozan and the Chicago Bulls fans that a rebuild may be on the horizon and the six-time NBA All-Star might not be part of their long-term plans.
Chicago Bulls looking to get younger
After spending the last two seasons hovering in the play-in tournament spots, perhaps the Chicago Bulls are dedicated to playing the long game because they’re incapable of making noise in the Eastern Conference as things stand.
In his three seasons in the Windy City, DeMar DeRozan averaged 25.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game on 49.6 percent shooting from the field.
A split may benefit both the Chicago Bulls and DeMar DeRozan, and the latter will likely have suitors on the market, including the Los Angeles Lakers.
Chicago has yet to make a big move so far in free agency, as other than trading for Josh Giddey, they have only signed Patrick Williams to a five-year extension and got Jalen Smith on a three-year deal.
