The Chicago Bulls are finally making changes to their roster. It started with trading Alex Caruso for Josh Giddey, and the youth movement has continued in free agency. They added Jalen Smith and re-signed Patrick Williams after drafting a potential steal in Matas Buzelis in the lottery.
Getting younger likely means it is the end of multiple Bulls in the Windy City. They are struggling to trade Zach LaVine, but have already lost Andre Drummond in free agency. What does it mean for the future of DeMar DeRozan?
Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times reported DeRozan won’t be back with the Bulls. Get the latest on the star’s free agency here.
Bulls won't re-sign DeMar DeRozan after trading for Josh Giddey
It was the trade for Giddey that convinced both sides it was time to move on. Chicago clearly wants the former Thunder guard handling the ball, which meant a diminished role for the six-time All-Star. DeRozan is an elite scorer who puts up monster numbers. He has no desire to take a step back for a developing guard.
It would be a clunky fit as both players struggle to space the floor. DeRozan is a master of the mid-range and could teach Giddey plenty about scoring in that area, but the Bulls would have not enough shooters to keep opposing teams from packing the paint.
DeRozan has interest in returning home to Los Angeles in free agency, but things are still up in the air. With Paul George heading to Philadelphia and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in Orlando, cap space is difficult to find. Can DeRozan convince some team to acquire him via a sign-and-trade to get more money? That will be the goal for both sides moving forward.
DeMar DeRozan made two All-Star appearances in his three years with the Chicago Bulls. Things did not go as planned for either side in terms of winning, but the veteran proved he was still an elite scoring and playmaking into his mid-30s. It is time to move on, and both sides hope it results in more victories moving forward.
DeRozan is searching for the right fit in free agency. He no longer sees that in Chicago, which is why he wants to find a new home. Stay tuned to see what is next for the six-time All-Star, and the Bulls. Chicago wants to add more young talent to their roster and is set on trading Zach LaVine. Can they make either happen? Only time will tell.