USC Basketball: Ex-Trojans Star At Odds With NBA Team On Contract Extension

Could he be on the move?

As the new NBA season gets going, it seems that a former USC Trojans basketball star is in the middle of contract negotiations with his current team. Forward DeMar DeRozan of the Chicago Bulls will be a free agent this coming summer, and while he has made it clear that he wants to remain with the Bulls, the two sides continue to talk.

NBA insider Shams Charania of The Athletic has reported that DeRozan and the Bulls were talking about an extension, but that both sides were still far apart from agreeing.

"They've been talking about an extension, but I'm told that the sides are apart right now on multiple fronts."

Per Shams Charania of The Athletic

This likely comes from DeRozan believing that he should be getting more money than Chicago is willing to pay him. Last season, DeRozan averaged 24.5 points per game for Chicago and was one of their more reliable players on the court, appearing in 74 games for the team. 

"They've been talking about an extension, but I'm told that the sides are apart right now on multiple fronts."@ShamsCharania on Demar DeRozan and the Chicago Bulls.@FanDuelTV pic.twitter.com/lt34MBFGOz

— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) October 26, 2023

His durability has been impressive in his career and could be playing into everything as well.

But the former Trojan is 34 years old, and the Bulls likely have no interest in handing him a long-term deal that pays him a lot of money. This could see the two sides split up down the line, with DeRozan taking his talents elsewhere this summer when he becomes a free agent.

Or we could see the Bulls trade him at the trade deadline this year if they feel that they won’t be able to come to terms. This could be best for both sides, as DeRozan may get a chance to play for a better team and the Bulls get something of value for their star player.

The Bulls have been stuck in mediocrity for years now, so a teardown could make some sense. Depending on what happens with DeRozan, it could be the first domino in a long line of things to come for the iconic NBA franchise.

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