Signs continue to point toward Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan agreeing to a contract extension with the franchise in the offseason, according to NBC Sports Chicago’s K.C. Johnson (Twitter video link). This comes on the heels of both sides expressing interest in a long-term pairing earlier this week.
Johnson says if the Bulls knew DeRozan was going to walk in the offseason, they would have tried acquiring something of value from him at the deadline. Instead, Chicago stood pat, while DeRozan likened the pairing to a marriage in comments to reporters on Thursday.
While Johnson points out that DeRozan has made similar comments in the past, it’s especially potent this time given the fact they came at the deadline. The Bulls can’t afford to let him leave for nothing and Johnson doesn’t expect them to. Chicago faced a similar situation last season with Nikola Vucevic and they ultimately extended him.
Of course, this doesn’t automatically mean DeRozan is going to re-up with the Bulls. He remains on track to hit unrestricted free agency this offseason and while he’s 34 years old, he still has averaged 25.3 points per game and has two All-Star appearances since arriving in Chicago. He’s likely to have several suitors. Still, the team that makes the most sense for now to offer a multiyear, big-money extension is the Bulls.
We have more notes on the Bulls:
- Despite drawing trade interest, Andre Drummond remained a Bull through the deadline. In recent games, head coach Billy Donovan has leaned more into dual big-man lineups, playing Drummond and Vucevic alongside one another. Drummond is enjoying that pairing, Johnson writes. “We’re trying something different and adjusting to what we want to do, not what the other team is doing,” Drummond said. “We’re a force together in the paint. We make teams have to deal with us at both ends of the court. I really like that lineup and I’m looking forward to more of it.” Drummond is averaging 9.9 points and 9.2 rebounds per night since Jan. 1 and drew a start next to Vucevic against the Timberwolves on Feb. 6.
- The Bulls were heavily involved in last season’s buyout market, expressing interest in Russell Westbrook before eventually signing Patrick Beverley, who helped the team finish 14-9 and win a play-in game. Johnson writes that the Bulls are once again open to exploring that avenue to add talent after not making any trade acquisitions. Thaddeus Young, Danilo Gallinari, Evan Fournier and Danuel House are among the possibilities Johnson points out. Joe Harris is also available.
- Donovan expressed that he was thankful the trade deadline was in the rear view mirror, writes Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times. “‘For me, I wouldn’t necessarily use the word ‘relief,’” Donovan said. “I’ve always taken the approach, ‘This is our team.’ Now, if it changes, then you have to adjust. I think when you start speculating, you lose sight of the group that you have in front of you because those decisions are not decisions you necessarily have control over. For me, it wasn’t like the trade deadline passed, and I was like, ‘Oh, wow, what a relief this was.’” Chicago is currently 25-28 and ninth in the Eastern Conference.
Signing DeM means trading Zach. I can see that. Zach has to show out well. So Bulls can get get max value for him. I would not give him away. Drummond they should let walk. They need young legs behind Vucevic.
Lavine is done for the year. And what exactly do think max value for him is? Because if you think it’s much more than a random collection of expirings you are kidding yourself
I’d say reading comprehension would help. You understand what “show Out” means. They have the whole second half of season to do it.
Zach is OUT for the year dude, only thing he’s showing out is the value on his contract
When will the Bulls learn that their choice of big 3 was a massive error in judgement. They keep resigning these guys that clearly don’t work together
I think it was very interesting until Lonzo’s injury. Then, it became uphill to contend while mantaining this core.
The Bulls talking about signing a 35 year old “long term” should tell you enough about this garbage organization, worst fans in the league, clearly have to comprehension of what winning is to go to the United center
Why?
They should have traded Vooch and DeMar for whatever they could have gotten and played White, Ayo, and Williams while Andre D. at Center.
The Front Office is ridiculous!
As long as fans continue to pack the place management is more than fine having a mediocre team.
A long-term extension? Anything over 2 years (maybe 3 if not fully guaranteed) for a 35 year old would be reckless. The right contract (short term) might create some value which they could realize in a trade at mid-year. They can’t chase him.
Nothing (either way) should be conditioned upon them being able to trade LaVine this summer. That will be even more difficult this summer than it was earlier this season. He’s got (yet) another lost season on his resume, and will likely spend most of the summer rehabbing. Maybe mid-year.
34 yrs old . 35 in August. He’s good for 3-4 yrs. Worth it to me
I’m not surprised. You’ve made it very clear, for months, how much you like him.
DeMar has really not been the same guaranteed bucket since his injury late last year. He is in decline, but really not worth a big contract for the Bulls. Maybe for a contender.
Agreed. If the Bulls don’t finish this season well, what would be the point of signing a 35 year old DeRozan?
Think a 2 year overpay is the play , let’s call it the VanFleet
They aren’t a cap team and have a sizable cushion to the tax line – they could play hardball, and {most} likely win , but their 2 year ledger suggests there’s room for a small overpay to ensure everyone’s happy and DDR doesn’t get happy feet and tempt the market
I’d be very weary going beyond 2 tho
If this season ends poorly (losing the play in games and not advancing), the Bulls should just let DDR go somewhere else.
Praying the Pistons avoid a Lavine trade.
DeMar deserves to make a good portion of the revenue for the value he provides the team. Resign him for a couple of seasons. I for one want to see the team together if and when Lonzo returns next year. That stretch Lonzo played was as good as the Bulls have looked post-Jordan, and I’m including the DRose led Conference contenders.
Run it back at least one more year with everyone back!