For some time, Chicago Bulls star DeMar DeRozan has indicated that he desires to remain with the organization with his contract set to expire this offseason. He has often included the caveat of “as long as the money is right.” As the Bulls inch closer to deciding on that front, and coming on the heels of another disappointing finish to the season, it appears the 15-year veteran is looking for more than just how many zeros come with his next salary.
“A source said the Bulls recently offered DeRozan’s representative a two-year deal at a high annual salary, perhaps as much as $40 million per season,” NBC Sports Chicago’s K.C. Johnson wrote on April 20. “For now, DeRozan is seeking a longer-term deal, but that [could] merely be part of negotiations.
” DeRozan led the NBA in total minutes this season, breaking LeBron James’ record set in 2018 to become the oldest player to do so in NBA history.
He is wrapping up a three-year, $81.9 million contract that was viewed as an overpay. “In terms of DeMar, he’s been great for us for three years,” Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas told reporters on April 20. “He’s been invested in the city of Chicago and he’s been really great to our young guys. So both sides are interested in continuing, so we’ll see what happens in free agency.”
