The Chicago Bulls signed and traded DeMar DeRozan to the Sacramento Kings in the 2024 offseason, but their minimal return suddenly and predictably looks go. DeRozan signed a three-year deal worth $73.9 million. The Kings wanted to trade him (subscription required) this summer, but couldn’t find a taker. Now, Sacramento is stuck with a middling roster and nowhere to go.
The Bulls got Chris Duarte and two second-round draft picks in this deal. The 6’6 wing is no longer in the NBA, and Chicago traded one of the second-round picks to move back in the 2025 draft and pick up some cash. This wasn’t a massive return, but at least DeRozan isn’t weighing down the Bulls' cap sheet.
The Kings feel stuck. They regrettably traded for Zach LaVine and have a roster of score-first players with no path to contention. It is why they wanted to move DeRozan, but no team is eager to take on the 36-year-old’s contract. Sacramento is quickly figuring out a problem the Bulls know too well.
Bulls get the last laugh as DeMar DeRozan is stuck in Sacramento
DeRozan was a two-time All-Star in his three seasons in the Windy City, but the Bulls made the playoffs just once. The veteran is an all-time great scorer. He has scored over 20 points per game for 12 straight years, but his impact on winning is questionable at best. Chicago didn’t win a playoff series with DeRozan, and the 6’6 wing hasn’t won one since 2018 in Toronto.
Rebuilding teams don’t want a 36-year-old bucket getter. DeRozan doesn’t space the floor and struggles on defense. Contenders struggle to make him fit. His mid-range mastery makes it difficult to work around and find ways to win games. It leaves DeRozan without a trade market.
The Bulls struggled to move on from LaVine and DeRozan. Sacramento was the only team willing to acquire both players. Chicago suffered through plenty of basketball struggles in recent years, but they are laughing at the Kings for biting on this. Now, Sacramento is stuck with this dynamic duo that annually gets their team into the Play-In Tournament nightmare.
DeRozan is set to make $24.7 million this season and has $10 million guaranteed for the 2026-27 campaign. The Kings may be able to cut bait at the deadline if they attach some draft capital. Otherwise, they are likely stuck with the veteran scorer for two more years.
The Chicago Bulls are sorting through their own mess with Josh Giddey. They traded Alex Caruso to acquire him, but haven’t been able to work out a new contract for the restricted free agent. It is a headache, but at least the Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan era is over. The Bulls are laughing at the Kings' inability to move DeRozan and their overall ineptitude in building a similar roster to the one that failed in the Windy City. It just goes to show fans, there is always someone worse.