The Chicago Bulls have shifted their strategy in roster building, making significant changes this summer by parting ways with veteran players like Alex Caruso and Andre Drummond. Additionally, DeMar DeRozan, who spent three impactful years with the Bulls, has left the franchise. Bulls GM Marc Eversley expressed his admiration for DeRozan while explaining the decision to let him go.
“I love DeMar. He was terrific for our organization the last three years. But I don’t think we were in a position to deliver what he was looking for going forward. He wants to win. He deserves an opportunity to win at a really high level. And arguably, we’re not in that situation right now. As much as it hurt to let him go, I’m extremely happy for him.”
During his time with the Bulls, DeRozan averaged 25.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, leading the team to their only playoff appearance in the past seven years (2022). He earned two All-Star selections and was known for his clutch performances and reliability, missing only 17 games over three seasons.
The 35-year-old forward was sign-and-traded to the Sacramento Kings in a three-team deal that also involved Harrison Barnes moving to the San Antonio Spurs and Chris Duarte joining the Bulls, along with two second-round picks.
DeMar DeRozan Wanted to Be Close to Home
DeRozan’s move to the Kings marks his return to the Western Conference after his stint with the Spurs from 2018 to 2021. He initially signed with the Bulls in 2021 and now joins the Kings, driven by his desire to be closer to home and in a competitive environment.
The 15-year NBA veteran received offers from both the Kings and the Miami Heat, ultimately choosing the Kings for their competitiveness and proximity to his home.
“It was really down to the Kings and the Miami Heat from what I’m told as far as DeMar DeRozan’s next home. He really wanted to land in a competitive environment, and also I’m told he wanted to go back West at the end of the day. The Kings pushed the hardest, they pushed the fastest, throughout free agency to get a deal done.”
Despite offers from the Lakers and Clippers, the Kings’ willingness to meet DeRozan’s financial expectations played a crucial role. DeRozan, who is from Los Angeles, found Sacramento much closer to home than Toronto, Chicago, or San Antonio.
DeRozan signed a three-year, $74 million contract with the Kings. While the Lakers couldn’t match this offer, they reportedly didn’t make substantial efforts to entice DeRozan to take less.
“I’m told the Lakers never went beyond expressing simple interest in DeRozan. There were no offers or tangible conversations with the Bulls on a sign-and-trade deal. So this is the second straight free agency that perception-wise… Would DeRozan have had to take less money in free agency, was he going to have to take the mid-level exception to land at a destination?”
DeRozan will now team up with De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis to help ensure the Kings secure a playoff spot next season.
