DeMar DeRozan, Bulls Talking Contract Extension

October 9, 2023

There was a time, and not long ago, when rumors of a potential trade centered on Bulls guard/forward DeMar DeRozan.

But it appears times might have changed. Per Jamal Collier of ESPN, DeRozan and the Bulls are in early talks on a contract extension.

Chicago’s front office actually got the ball rolling on the talks, per Collier, seeing if he would be interested in a long-term deal and locking him in with the franchise. Or at least showing that the Bulls are committed to him.

DeRozan, 34, was second on the team in scoring at 24.5 points last season, trailing only guard Zach LaVine. As Collier wrote, DeRozan made an NBA-best “317 midrange shots last season (134 more than any other player) while ranking second in clutch points.”

Without an extension, DeRozan will be a free agent at the end of the season. For now, though, he is focused on the Bulls and their desire to play at a faster pace under coach Billy Donovan.

“People get so caught up in the word ‘fast’ like it’s a million miles per hour up and down the court,” DeRozan explained, via Collier. “Showtime Lakers. Trying to put up 140 points.

“The fast aspect of it is just faster decision-making. Quicker decision-making. Not necessarily just up-and-down, up-and-down. Shot. Shot. But understanding how to be more effective by making faster and quicker decisions on the go. We do have the personnel to be able to do that.”