According to NBA reporter K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago, DeMar DeRozan is eligible to sign a three-year, $130 million extension with the Chicago Bulls before unrestricted free agency starts on July 1.
“As for DeRozan, he knows he has outplayed his contract,” Johnson wrote. “He’s big on respect. And I was told recently that he will have a market this offseason, so the Bulls would probably be best served by not letting him hit free agency. I think the most likely outcome is a shorter-term deal at a significant annual figure—maybe two years at $70-74 million with a team option for a third year? Just guessing there. He’s eligible to sign a three-year, $130 million deal before unrestricted free agency begins on July
DeRozan signed a three-year, $85 million contract with the Bulls in August 2021 as part of a sign-and-trade deal with the San Antonio Spurs. The USC product is averaging 25.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.5 blocks with Chicago.
A future Hall of Famer, DeRozan is averaging 23.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.6 blocks this season for the Bulls while shooting 47.5% from the field, 33.7% from beyond the arc and 86.1% from the free-throw line. He’s making $28.6 million in the final year of his contract.
DeRozan has career averages of 21.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.3 blocks with the Toronto Raptors, Spurs and Bulls. He has made three All-NBA teams and six All-Star teams.
Effect on Bulls List
The Bulls felt Ball’s absence very much the prior year. This is especially true in terms of playmaking ability and defensive skill. His imminent comeback should close these gaps and improve the team’s output. Now that Ball is back playing, the Bulls want to solidify their standing in the cutthroat NBA.
As Ball inches closer to full recovery, the Bulls are ramping up his preparations for the season ahead. The point guard is set to resume taking contact. He could participate in 5-on-5 play as well. This is signaling significant progress in his rehabilitation. This milestone brings renewed hope and excitement to the Bulls’ fanbase, eager to see Ball back in action.
