Chicago Bulls Power Forward DeMar DeRozan is in the final year of his contract. In 2021, he inked a three-year, $81.9 million deal, which is scheduled to conclude this upcoming summer. Once the contract expires, he is set to become an unrestricted free agent.
Explaining his potential impending free agency, DeRozan used a metaphor, comparing the transition in his career to a relationship. He spoke about the importance of mutual commitment and collaboration, likening it to working on a relationship with a spouse.
“It’s kinda like with your spouse. It’s like, what we need to do to work on this baby? Alright. Let’s figure this thing out. You want me, I want you. The love is there,” said Demar.
“It’s kinda like with your spouse. It’s like, what we need to do to work on this baby? Alright. Let’s figure this thing out. You want me, I want you. The love is there.”
– DeMar DeRozan on becoming a free agent
(Via @KCJHoop ) pic.twitter.com/h9eINoMa1n
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 8, 2024
When asked being committed and happy with the Bulls, he defended himself. He pointed out that he’s always been positive and dedicated to the team. He made it clear that he’s never given any indication of wanting to play for another team.
When the conversation shifted to other teams making moves, like the 76ers getting Buddy Hield and the Knicks adding Alec Burks and Bojan Bogdanovic, DeRozan wasn’t fazed. He welcomed the competition and believed in the Bulls’ ability to go head-to-head with any team, no matter their record.
Talking about the Bulls’ front office being less active since 2021, DeRozan said he’s up for any challenge and ready to find solutions.
Note: Demar DeRozan’s statements were reported by K.C. Johnson, an insider covering the Chicago Bulls for NBC Chicago.
Demar DeRozan’s Tenure with the Chicago Bulls
DeRozan joined the Chicago Bulls on August 11, 2021, through a trade, and quickly made his mark. His performances included a game-winning one-legged three-pointer against the Indiana Pacers.
DeRozan’s excellence earned him a starting spot in the NBA All-Star Game, where he set records by scoring 40 or more points in six consecutive games, surpassing the legendary Michael Jordan’s franchise record. He achieved the milestone of 20,000 career points during the 2022-2023 season, surpassing basketball greats like Larry Bird, Gary Payton, and Clyde Drexler.
Breakdown of Demar DeRozan’s Career Stats with Chicago Bulls
2023-24 Season:
- Games Played (GP): 49
- Minutes per Game (Min): 37.4
- Points per Game (Pts): 22.3
- Field Goal Percentage (FG%): 46.4%
- 3-Point Percentage (3pt%): 32.8%
- Rebounds per Game (Reb): 4.1
- Assists per Game (Ast): 5.3
- Steals per Game (Stl): 1.2
2022-23 Season:
- Games Played (GP): 74
- Minutes per Game (Min): 36.2
- Points per Game (Pts): 24.5
- Field Goal Percentage (FG%): 50.4%
- 3-Point Percentage (3pt%): 32.4%
- Rebounds per Game (Reb): 4.6
- Assists per Game (Ast): 5.1
- Steals per Game (Stl): 1.1
2021-22 Season:
- Games Played (GP): 76
- Minutes per Game (Min): 36.1
- Points per Game (Pts): 27.9
- Field Goal Percentage (FG%): 50.4%
- 3-Point Percentage (3pt%): 35.2%
- Rebounds per Game (Reb): 5.1
- Assists per Game (Ast): 4.9
- Steals per Game (Stl): 0.9
