Report: ‘Growing Buzz’ DeMar DeRozan Could Leave Bulls, Clippers Could Sign Him If Paul George Leaves

According to NBA insider K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago, there is “growing buzz” that DeMar DeRozan could leave the Chicago Bulls. 

The Los Angeles Clippers could sign DeRozan if they lose Paul George. 

Keep the Clippers in mind as a potential DeMar DeRozan destination if Paul George signs elsewhere.

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) June 26, 2024

Shockingly, nobody asked me. But if I’m the Bulls, I either take best upside pick at No. 11 or trade down and try to get another asset. Between Caruso-for-Giddey trade, LaVine being available and growing buzz that DeRozan could move in S&T or UFA, Bulls are franchise in flux.

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) June 26, 2024

DeRozan is an unrestricted free agent, while George can become a free agent by declining his 2024-25 player option. 

DeRozan appeared in 79 games for the Bulls in 2023-24. The USC product averaged 24.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.6 blocks while shooting 48.0% from the floor, 33.3% from 3 and 85.3% from the free-throw line.  

The Bulls can sign DeRozan to an extension before free agency starts. They signed Nikola Vucevic to an extension before free agency began last offseason.

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. 

“DeMar’s been great for us for three years,” Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas said during his season-ending press conference. “He’s been invested in the city of Chicago and has been really great to our young guys. So both sides are interested in continuing and we’ll see what happens in free agency.”

DeRozan has career averages of 21.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.3 blocks with the Toronto Raptors, Spurs and Bulls. He’s made three All-NBA teams and six All-Star teams. 

George could pick up his 2024-25 player option and request a trade from the Clippers, who have not offered the swingman the four-year deal he’s looking for. The Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia 76ers are interested in trading for George. 

The Bulls missed the playoffs this year, while the Clippers lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the first round. 

One of the best players in the NBA, George averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.5 blocks for the Clippers in 2023-24 while shooting 47.1% from the field, 41.3% from beyond the arc and 90.7% from the free-throw line.