© David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Report predicts DeMar DeRozan will get traded before the season ends
One of the storylines Chicago Bulls fans should closely monitor is the status of All-Star wingman DeMar DeRozan. Now playing in the final year of the contract he signed in 2021, the Bulls face a difficult decision of offering DeRozan an extension or allowing him to enter free agency. However, an expert predicts that the Bulls may play it safe and deal the decorated two-guard away at the trade deadline to avoid losing him for nothing in the offseason.
Hot trade target
Even though Deebo is already 34 years old, it appears he's aging gracefully. He's been an All-Star in each of his two seasons with the Bulls and averaged 24.5 and 5.1 assists last season. With an expiring contract worth $28.6 million, DeRozan is projected to be a hot trade target at the deadline next year.
"DeRozan should be a Bull to start the year, but he'll become one of the hottest trade targets on the market if Chicago gets off to another mediocre start. His $28.6 million expiring salary is one of the easiest All-Star contracts to trade for, and teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Philadelphia 76ers make sense as potential landing spots," Greg Swartz wrote.
Expected struggles
Judging by their moves in the offseason, the Bulls' decision-makers want this team to win now. However, the team doesn't look like a surefire title contender, casting doubt on the group's ability to return to the Playoffs after missing them last season.
"The Bulls re-signed Nikola Vucevic and added Jevon Carter and Torrey Craig this offseason, which signals that they're still trying to win. However, they don't look that much better than the squad that finished 40-42 last season," Swartz continued.
Should the Bulls struggle again, as many analysts expect, they may change course and decide they'd much rather get some assets for their star than watch him walk away at the end of the season without getting anything in return.
"The Bulls should want to get something for DeRozan rather than risk losing him for nothing in free agency next summer. That's why they'll eventually trade him to a team with championship aspirations before the deadline," Swartz explained.
