Bulls Star Named Knicks Free Agent Target
The New York Knicks are going star hunting this offseason, and they are likely to go on the trade market in order to do so. However, there may be a simpler option in free agency.
Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan is a free agent this offseason, and he could be looking to play for a contender like the Knicks. That's why Bleacher Report has labeled him as a free agent option for New York.
"The non-taxpayer's mid-level exception would pay DeRozan far less than the $28.6 million he made in 2023-24, but the Knicks may offer just the right mix of factors to get him to play for that amount," Bleacher Report writes.
"New York is perhaps the league's most glamorous market. The Knicks are good. Madison Square Garden was electric this season. And juicing the bench with DeRozan's scoring could push them a bit closer to genuine contention."
The Knicks can only offer the mid-level exception, which is worth $12.9 million. It would be a massive paycut, but it would give DeRozan a true opportunity to compete for a championship, which is something he hasn't had since he played with the Toronto Raptors in the late 2010's.
DeRozan, who turns 35 in August, can still be a top contributor in the NBA. He averaged 24 points per game last season with the Bulls, and if he were seeking money as his primary motivator, rejoining Chicago would make the most sense. However, if he had a ring on his mind, taking a paycut to join the Knicks may be his best bet.
JEREMY BRENER
Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.