The Chicago Bulls have thus far indicated their intention of bringing back free-agent DeMar DeRozan, though there is nothing set in stone.
Chicago reportedly offered DeRozan a fat short-term deal that he turned away in search of more years, which the Bulls are understandably reluctant to give.
At some point, this standoff will likely end with DeRozan coming back to Chicago, as there is mutual interest and few teams that are going to offer more in annual salary.
If the Bulls do bring back DeRozan, they won’t have much money to spend, especially if they keep Zach LaVine and his contract on the books.
But there are four free agents with ties to DeRozan who might like a reunion if the Bulls can make the money work, and in some cases, it might.
4 Potential Bulls free agent targets with ties to DeMar DeRozan
Kyle Lowry (unrestricted free agent)
Lowry and DeRozan have played nearly 400 games as teammates as part of some very good Raptors teams that were never quite able to get over the hump.
Lowry is certainly not what he once was, but he played 55 games this season for two good teams, logging 28 minutes per game, so the guy can still play.
The Bulls could use more depth at point guard, especially with Lonzo Ball’s uncertain status, and Lowry can provide minutes off the bench and will likely be on a veteran’s minimum deal, which fits Chicago’s budget.
He wouldn’t be a huge addition, but he’d plug a role with an experienced veteran and NBA champion.