DeMar DeRozan Seeking Long-Term Deal In Talks With Bulls

The Chicago Bulls may be floating a two-year contract extension to small forward DeMar DeRozan, but he is hoping for more years than that, per Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic.

“The Bulls would be happy to re-sign DeRozan on a two-year deal. DeRozan’s side obviously would covet more security,” Mayberry wrote. “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. 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 DeRozan but at a reasonable commitment.”

DeRozan recently said his preference is to remain in Chicago. He will become an unrestricted free agent if not signed to an extension before free agency begins in July.

“The city is great, I love the city, the organization been great — it’s definitely a place I would love to return to, and take care of unfinished business,” he told former NBA guard Lou Williams during FanDuel TV’s Run It Back.

DeRozan appeared in 79 games for the Bulls this past season, averaging 24.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists while shooting 48.0% from the field, 33.3% on 3-pointers and 85.3% from the free-throw line. 

He turns 35 years old in August.

According to NBA insider K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago, the Bulls recently offered DeRozan a two-year extension. 

“A source said the Bulls recently offered DeRozan’s representative a two-year deal at a high annual salary, perhaps as much as $40 million per season,” Johnson wrote. “For now, DeRozan is seeking a longer-term deal, but that merely be part of negotiations.”

DeRozan signed a three-year, $85 million contract with the Bulls in August 2021 as part of a sign-and-trade deal with the San Antonio Spurs. 

The Los Angeles Clippers are among the teams that could pursue DeRozan should a deal with the Bulls fail to materialize.

Ashish Mathur contributed to this report.