Despite DeMar DeRozan‘s electric performance through a season and a half on the Chicago Bulls, he just can’t seem to keep his name out of the rumor mill. While many had written him off as a shot-chucker and playoff choker, DeMar has taken leaps to erase the narrative surrounding his name and instilled himself as one of the league’s premiere offensive threats.
On the wrong side of 30 and rapidly approaching a decade and a half in the league, no one could have expected that DeRozan would in fact have the best season of his entire career in Chicago. His fantastic performance has carried over this season as well, as the star forward has averaged 27.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists on 50.5% shooting from the field in 107 games with the Bulls.
Yesterday, Chris Haynes of TNT and B/R posted an article indicating that DeRozan could be hitting the trade block sooner than expected.
"“If matters don’t improve this season, rival executives believe it could lead star guard DeMar DeRozan to request to be moved in the offseason, league sources tell Bleacher Report. DeRozan, who has been the Bulls’ most consistent star, has one year remaining on his deal. Playing on an expiring contract is a non-starter for most high-caliber players. The options: Extend after the season or ask for a new location. Chicago has its work cut out.”"
It doesn’t seem like DeMar DeRozan is going anywhere soon as he posts a video indicating the Chicago Bulls are his home for the foreseeable future.
In response, DeRozan posted a clip on Instagram from the 2001 film Training Day to directly respond to these rumors. DeMar makes light of the rumors, equating them to nothing more than entertainment for clicks.
Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan responds to those reports about how he might request a trade from the Bulls.
— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) December 23, 2022
(Video via demar_derozan/Instagram) pic.twitter.com/Il7Iy5t8u8
If this report truly has no legs, it certainly makes Haynes look quite foolish for fabricating a story. That being said, I do understand why this would be so enticing for several fanbases around the league. The Lakers would likely headline a list of potential suitors if DeRozan were to hit the free market, a development that would no doubt shake up the power hierarchy wherever he lands.
As the biggest free agent signing in Chicago Bulls’ history, it would be poor form for this franchise to dump DeRozan off to the highest bidder so soon. He has engrained himself as this team’s vocal leader, his presence would be sorely missed and likely irreplaceable with no clear heir in sight. For this reason, I just can’t picture the front office moving DeRozan barring any more disastrous losing streaks.
Even if the Bulls did want to ultimately get some assets in return for DeRozan, there’s no rush to do so. With another relatively affordable year on his contract, Chicago can always wait until this summer or next season to pull the trigger, and the same teams will likely line right back up for his services once again.