DeMar DeRozan on NBA Future, free agency before contract decision

DeMar DeRozan expressed frustration over the Chicago Bulls' loss in the Play-In Tournament, marking his third year with the team. Despite his tenure, the Bulls have only made the playoffs once, facing elimination by the Milwaukee Bucks in five games in 2022.

The last two seasons saw the Bulls eliminated by the Miami Heat in the Play-In Tournament, a scenario DeRozan aims to avoid repeating. This outcome is likely to influence the veteran forward's impending free agency decision. At 34 years old and with 15 NBA seasons under his belt, the six-time All-Star is still pursuing his first NBA championship. DeRozan emphasized that winning will heavily influence his free agency choice, stating,



While not earning All-Star recognition this season, DeRozan remained highly productive, averaging 24.0 points, 5.3 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game over 79 appearances, once again leading the Bulls in scoring.

The Bulls finished the season with a 39-43 record, narrowly missing the playoffs after losing to Miami in the play-in game. Chicago has now missed the playoffs in six of the past seven seasons.

Although the Bulls have solid pieces for the upcoming season, including Zach LaVine, Nikola Vučević, and Coby White, potential trades, particularly involving LaVine, could reshape the roster's dynamics. DeRozan's preference for a contender might lead him to consider other options, potentially through a sign-and-trade or accepting less in free agency.

As the Bulls have not emerged as title contenders with DeRozan as their primary option, a move to a team where he can be a secondary or tertiary scorer might align better with his championship aspirations.

Source RealGM : DeMar DeRozan: I Just Want To Win
Source Bleacher Report : Bulls' DeMar DeRozan Discusses NBA Future, Free Agency Ahead of Contract Decision