Why DeMar DeRozan is expected to re-sign with Bulls

DeRozan is probably most known for his time with the Toronto Raptors. He began his NBA career with the Raptors back in 2009 and was with the franchise right through the 2017-18 campaign before being traded to the San Antonio Spurs in a deal that sent Kawhi Leonard to Toronto.

However, there is very little doubt that DeRozan’s most productive seasons have come in Chicago.

DeRozan immediately set a career high with 27.9 points per game during his debut campaign with the Bulls in 2021-22, shooting 50.4 percent from the floor while making 87.7 percent of his free throws. While the USC product was widely criticized for his inefficiency throughout his tenure with the Raptors, he managed to post a true shooting percentage of 59 percent that year. He earned an All-Star appearance and also notched a Second-Team All-NBA selection to boot.

The 34-year-old wasn’t quite as good the following season, but he was still impressive, registering 24.5 points, 5.1 assists and 4.6 rebounds per game with 50.4/32.4/87.2 shooting splits. DeRozan then recorded nearly identical numbers during the 2023-24 campaign, finishing with 24 points, 5.3 assists and 4.3 boards a night. He shot 48 percent from the field and converted 85.3 percent of his free throws.

Of course, DeRozan is a weak defender, so he has never been able to separate himself as a truly elite player. His lack of a three-point shot has also been a major drawback throughout his entire career, but he has compensated for it with his ability to get to the rim and draw contact.

So, is DeRozan really worth keeping around on an expensive contract?

It depends how much the Bulls pay him.

Chicago has failed to make the playoffs each of the last two years, losing to the Miami Heat in the play-in tournament both times. The Bulls won just 39 games in a depleted Eastern Conference this season, so it’s not like DeRozan has had a major impact on winning.

Obviously, that is not all DeRozan’s fault, as Chicago’s roster construction leaves a lot to be desired. However, DeRozan made just under $30 million this season, and you have to assume he will be aiming to hit a similar number with his next contract.

The Bulls may like DeRozan. He seems to have gotten very comfortable in Chicago. But extending him to another lucrative deal may not exactly be the best way for the Bulls to utilize their resources, especially when it looks like they have hit a wall the last couple of years.

It may also depend upon how much interest DeRozan receives in free agency. If there aren’t any other teams willing to cough up an expensive, multi-year contract for him, Chicago may be able to retain him a one-year deal with an option for a second year.