Photo credit: Sports Ilustrated
DeMar DeRozan expresses desire to stay with Chicago Bulls
DeMar DeRozan's commitment to the Chicago Bulls is unmistakable. The 15-year veteran, amid another impressive season that positions him as a likely finalist for the Jerry West Clutch Player of the Year award, may enter unrestricted free agency this offseason. The Bulls are concluding another average season, currently on a three-game trip and destined for the Play-In Tournament for the second consecutive year.
''This is where I want to be,'' DeRozan said, via K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago. ''I love ownership. I love everything about the city and the franchise, top to bottom. The front office, the staff we have. It's one of those places that gives me motivation to see everybody get what they deserve and feel what winning is like again.''
In August 2021, DeRozan inked a three-year, $85 million deal with the Bulls through a sign-and-trade agreement with the San Antonio Spurs. The USC alum boasts season averages of 23.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists, shooting 47.7% from the field, 32.1% from three-point range, and 85.4% from the free-throw line.
''You watch me, how hard I play, how hard I want to give success to this organization, this city, that's my main focal point. I always want to finish a job. The last couple years have been tough with injuries and so many ups and downs. But I always want to weather the storm and stick through whatever situation it is to make the most out of it, to make it even better,'' DeRozan said. ''That's always been my mindset and it's my mindset going forward. How can I be here and make this a winning organization like when I first came?"
''The feeling, the vibe, the energy that was around when we had that run (in 2021-22), I want the city and all these players to experience that again---and for myself too. It's always easy to complain and say what's not. But I made it clear this is where I want to be and ride it out. I don't want to go nowhere.''
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Hoops Wire sources revealed interest from the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, and Philadelphia 76ers in acquiring DeRozan this season. However, the Bulls didn't actively seek to trade DeRozan, who is likely to attract offers if he becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
Throughout his career with the Toronto Raptors, San Antonio Spurs, and Bulls, DeRozan has maintained career averages of 21.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. He boasts three All-NBA team selections and six All-Star appearances.
Source HoopsWire : DeMar DeRozan Wants To Remain With Bulls: ‘I Love Everything About The City And The Franchise'
Source Yahoo Sports : DeMar DeRozan on potential Bulls' return: ‘This is where I want to be'
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