Many around NBA believe Bulls’ DeMar DeRozan will be traded

While most of the trade talk surrounding the Chicago Bulls centers on guard Zach LaVine, there’s a strong sense he will remain.

And that guard/forward DeMar DeRozan will be traded instead.

The reason? Well, it all comes down to money. LaVine signed a five-year, $215.16 million deal with the Bulls in 2022. DeRozan has one year at $28.56 million. 

So the Bulls could lose DeRozan for nothing as a free agent this summer.

For that reason, some insiders are beginning to think DeRozan could have a new home before the final bell rings on the Feb. 8 trade deadline, per Matt Moore of Action Network.

Right now, it is not believed the Bulls are shopping him, but things could change, as others are undoubtedly interested.

That list includes the Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks and Miami Heat, sources told Hoops Wire.

Last month, DeRozan told Julia Poe of the Chicago Tribune that he remains committed to Chicago.

“Chicago is Chicago to me,” DeRozan said. “I love it here. Obviously it’s a place I want to be in my career. None of that has changed. I don’t have no other type of doubts or feelings or suggestions to be elsewhere. That don’t cross my mind.”

DeRozan, 34, is averaging 21.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.1 steals, shooting 46 percent from the field and 34 percent on 3-pointers. He’s viewed as a player who does his best work from the mid-range.

One NBA executive told Michael Scotto of HoopsHype that DeRozan could help a contender.

“DeMar DeRozan is worth a first in this draft in the 20s since it’s a weak draft, and he’s unrestricted at the end of the season,” the exec told Scotto. “He can be a third scorer on a winning team. I think he’s got some gas left in the tank.”

DeRozan carries NBA career averages of 21.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.0 assists with the Toronto Raptors, San Antonio Spurs and Bulls.

Chicago (21-23) entered Monday night’s games in ninth place in the Eastern Conference.