As the NBA offseason looms large, the Chicago Bulls find themselves at a crossroads, contemplating the fate of their veteran core, notably the ever-reliable DeMar DeRozan.
Amidst summer shuffle, Bulls consider locking in DeMar DeRozan for $20 Million annual stint. Reports suggest a continuation of their “big three” blueprint, with a key focus on retaining the seasoned swingman for the foreseeable future.
According to insights from The Athletic’s Darnell Mayberry, the Bulls are inclined to pursue a multi-year agreement with the 34-year-old DeRozan, a move that could solidify their roster stability for the seasons to come.
“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 could come into play with DeRozan’s deal as well,” wrote Mayberry.
Despite a lackluster 9th place finish in the Eastern Conference this past season, boasting talents like DeRozan and the two-time All-Star Zach LaVine (who has expressed trade desires), the Bulls struggled to gain momentum. The absence of Lonzo Ball further compounded their offensive woes, underscoring the urgency for strategic roster enhancements.
Amidst mounting calls for a roster overhaul, the Bulls face mounting pressure to revitalize their championship aspirations or, at the very least, elevate their competitive standing. Augmenting their supporting cast and fortifying their bench depth emerge as pivotal objectives in their quest to recalibrate their playoff prospects. However, the current roster configuration might lack the potency required for a serious title contention.
“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 DeMar DeRozan but at a reasonable commitment.”
DeRozan, the 9th overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, emerged as the linchpin of the Bulls’ campaign last season, showcasing unwavering consistency with commendable statistical averages across scoring, playmaking, and rebounding categories. His impending deal with the Bulls could fetch him up to $40 million over a two-year span, signaling a substantial commitment from the franchise towards preserving their veteran core.
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