Report: DeMar DeRozan ‘Happy’ With Bulls, Wants To Re-Sign In Offseason

According to NBA insider Sam Amick of The Athletic, DeMar DeRozan is “happy” with the Chicago Bulls.

DeRozan, who becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason, wants to re-sign with the Bulls. 

If Chicago signs DeRozan to an extension before free agency starts, no other teams can poach the guard.

“Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan is still playing at a high level and will be an unrestricted free agent after this season,” Amick wrote. “That’s typically a formula for a deal when a team is mired in mediocrity, but these Bulls will now look to keep the 34-year-old this summer. A league source with knowledge of DeRozan’s situation said he is happy there and would like to return — if the money is right.”

DeRozan, who began his career with the Toronto Raptors, is averaging 22.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.6 blocks this season while shooting 46.8% from the floor, 34.0% from beyond the arc and 85.3% from the free-throw line. He’s making $28.6 million.

The Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers were interested in acquiring DeRozan this season, sources told Hoops Wire. However, the Bulls weren’t shopping DeRozan. 

A six-time All-Star, 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 future Hall of Famer is averaging 25.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.5 blocks with Chicago.

DeRozan, 34, has career averages of 21.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.3 blocks with the Raptors, Spurs and Bulls. The USC product has made three All-NBA teams but has never reached the Finals. 

The Bulls are 25-28. They are in ninth place in the Eastern Conference standings. If the season ended today, DeRozan and Co. would be in the NBA play-in tournament for the second straight year.

It will be fascinating to see how the Bulls finish this season with Zach LaVine out for the rest of the campaign after undergoing foot surgery. DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic, Coby White and Alex Caruso will certainly have to play at a high level for Chicago to stay afloat in the East.