The Chicago Bulls have a big task ahead of them, and they’re working hard to get it done.
“[DeMar] DeRozan, 34, is entering the final season of his contract and is set to earn $28.6 million,” noted ESPN’s Jamal Collier on October 9. “The Bulls have expressed interest in re-signing DeRozan to a long-term deal and the two sides have had preliminary talks negotiating an extension.”
Last offseason, Chicago signed Zach LaVine to a five-year, $215 million contract. And, before of free agency, they signed Nikola Vucevic to a three-year, $60 million contract, leaving DeRozan as the only member of the big three without a contract beyond next season.
But the idea that the sides are having negotiations should come as no surprise.
Bulls GM Tipped Hand on Plans for DeMar DeRozan
“DeMar’s been great,” Bulls general manager Marc Eversley stated on August 21, according to Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic. “He’s been fantastic for this group, both on and off the court.” He’s always been a leader. I’d like DeMar to be a long-term member of this program. We’re hoping to see Deebo again. He’s been a critical component of the program’s success.”
DeRozan signed a three-year, $81.9 million contract with the Bulls in the summer of 2022 as part of a trade from the San Antonio Spurs. He has made back-to-back All-Star appearances and was named to the NBA Second Team in 2021-22.
Monster of the Midrange.@DeMar_DeRozan | #SeeRed pic.twitter.com/dyz8CnyqGJ
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) April 15, 2023
The six-time All-Star is up for a four-year, $179 million contract deal. On media day, he stated that he would let the front staff and his agents work through it and concentrate on basketball.
However, the desire to keep the union together appears to be mutual.
“This is a place I want to be,” DeRozan said on October 2 via the team. “You can take that out of the equation because it’s a fantastic place.” It’s just a matter of figuring out what makes sense for both parties from there.”
DeMar DeRozan Changing Game With the Times
According to Stathead, DeRozan is one of only 13 players in the last two years to average at least 26.0 points on 59% true shooting or better. He is both the oldest player on the list and the player with the most appearances in that time period.
His influence on his younger colleagues has also been a topic for the Bulls.
When you work out with DeMar, the work starts at 5 AM! pic.twitter.com/vuH6DIZ8gQ
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) June 30, 2023
However, even DeRozan, who currently sits seventh on the active list of all-time scorers, has acknowledged the need to improve a vital component of his game: three-point shooting.
The Bulls were 30th in three-point attempts last season, with DeRozan averaging just 1.9 per game and shooting 32.4% on those attempts.
He has been adamant that he won’t change his style of play entirely while also noting that, as he ages, it’s important to keep “expanding” his repertoire.
“It’s going to come,” DeRozan stated on media day. “I don’t overthink things.” I’m going to take part in the game. At the end of the day, it’s all about basketball. It’s something I absolutely go out there and work on because I know I can do it. I just never made a deliberate attempt to accomplish it.”
But this club needs more three-pointers, and it needs them from its most prolific scorers.
“The style of play and understanding how we want to play, whatever’s needed from me, I’m going to be able to be ready for it and to do it with no problem,” DeRozan said in a statement.
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