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DeMar DeRozan says the interest is mutual regarding a contract extension with the Chicago Bulls
Chicago Bulls veteran DeMar DeRozan is playing in the final year of a three-year contract, leading many to speculate the team would deal him at the trade deadline or risk losing him for nothing this offseason. However, from DeRozan's demeanor before their game against the Memphis Grizzlies, it seems that both parties are interested in continuing their relationship beyond this season.
A work in progress
Deebo, as suave as ever, drew a comparison between his contract situation and that of a relationship.
"It's kind of like with your spouse. It's a relationship. It's like, 'What do we need to do to work on this, baby?'" DeRozan said with a sly smirk on his face.
"'Let's figure this thing out. You want me. I want you.' The love is there."
DeRozan is making $28.6 million this season. Although the former USC Trojan is already 34 years old and playing in his 15th season in the league, he remains a potent scorer, ever reliable from the midrange and in the shaded lane with his deep arsenal of shifty moves.
Happy to be in Chicago
DeRozan has been in the Windy City for three seasons. Though the Bulls have made the NBA Playoffs only once, they came close to making it last season, falling short in the Play-in Tournament.
This season, Chicago sits ninth in the Eastern Conference and is on track for a spot in the Play-in for the second season in a row. DeRozan shared that despite the Bulls’ subpar record, he’s enjoying the job, trying to raise the franchise back to where it once was.
"Have I ever looked unhappy? Have I ever given any type of notion that I wanted to be somewhere else? Any type of mannerisms or anything?" DeRozan said.
"So all I can do is control me, the position I'm in. Anybody who knows me, whatever job I have, I'm going to give it my all---on the court, outside the court, for my teammates, the fans, to whoever appreciates."
