DeMar DeRozan reportedly plans to wait out Paul George’s market before deciding on his next destination.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported DeRozan wants to get a “better feel” for his suitors if the Chicago Bulls do not make a serious play to retain him. The Bulls and DeRozan reportedly have “no discernible momentum” in negotiations.
Chicago may have tipped its hand at a rebuild earlier this offseason by trading Alex Caruso for Josh Giddey. Caruso made All-Defensive teams each of the last two seasons, while Giddey is a 21-year-old still early in his career.
The Bulls are also expected to explore trading All-Star guard Zach LaVine this offseason, though his market is tepid after a down 2023-24 campaign. LaVine is under contract through at least the 2025-26 season, which could create some hesitation among interested teams.
DeRozan has been the Bulls’ most consistent player over his three seasons with the franchise. He averaged 24.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game last season while shooting 48.0 percent from the field.
If a rebuild is in the Bulls’ immediate future, DeRozan almost certainly is not. He turns 35 in August and has never made it past the second round of the playoffs in his 15-year NBA career. The last time DeRozan was a free agent, he was seemingly on the precipice of taking the midlevel exception with the Los Angeles Lakers until the Lakers instead traded for Russell Westbrook.
It’s possible the Lakers and DeRozan explore a union again this offseason. The Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic could also be options if they fail to land George. Stein also mentions the Clippers as a suitor should George exit in free agency.