DeMar DeRozan has been the Bulls’ most consistent player since his acquisition in 2021. However, his time in Chicago may be coming to an end.
Will DeMar DeRozan depart from the Bulls?
DeRozan reportedly has growing tension with Zach LaVine because their skill sets sometimes overlap. While they respect each other and have no animosity toward one another, the chemistry on the court is lacking.
According to Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes, DeRozan may make a trade request if things do not improve in the coming weeks and months.
“The Chicago Bulls is dealing with some dysfunction as it pertains to team chemistry and accountability while stationed 11th in the Eastern Conference standings (13-18). If matters don’t improve this season, rivals’ executives believe it could lead star guard DeMar DeRozan to request to be moved in the offseason, league sources tell Bleacher Report.”
If the Bulls receive an offer that includes multiple first-round picks, which the Los Angeles Lakers are said to be considering if they can land DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic, they will not wait until the offseason for a formal request from DeRozan. If the team continues to lose, they will trade him out west for two future first-round picks from the Lakers.
Haynes also mentioned DeRozan’s current contract situation as something that could prompt the team to trade him.
“DeRozan, who has been the Bulls’ most consistent star, has one year remaining on his deal. Playing on an expiring contract is a non-starter for most high-caliber players. The options: Extend after the season or ask for a new location. Chicago has its work cut out.”
If the Bulls have no intention of extending DeRozan beyond this season, trading him for as many assets as possible makes sense. Given how well he has performed, Chicago would almost certainly receive more in a trade package than they did in exchange for him from the Spurs.
Tough decisions await the Bulls’ front office as they face the harsh reality of possibly needing to rebuild again as this current core may have outlived its usefulness.
