Writer for the Chicago Bulls Joe Cowley predicts that standout DeMar DeRozan will leave in free agency this offseason. Furthermore, according to Cowley, DeRozan considered the team’s trade of Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder to be “the final straw.”

“The Alex Caruso-Josh Giddey trade was the last straw in DeRozan’s mind for any sort of return, as the 34-year-old will now use his free agency to shop elsewhere,” a source told the Sun-Times late on Sunday night.

Sign-and-trade with the San Antonio Spurs in 2021 brought DeRozan to the Bulls. The California native averaged 25.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game in his three seasons with the Bulls. DeRozan also earned two All-Star selections and one selection to the NBA Second Team while he was a member of the Bulls.

Reports stated that there was “little momentum” for a new deal between Chicago and DeMar DeRozan. Chicago Bulls star expected to leave this summer
Bulls insider K.C. Johnson stated in June that it appeared more probable than not that DeRozan will go this summer.

“Giddey’s purchase could indicate an openness to departing from the Bulls’ present middle-of-the-road route of mediocrity, which Artūras Karnišovas will discuss after Wednesday’s opening round. It undoubtedly raises concerns about DeMar DeRozan’s future, as he will become an unrestricted free agent on June 30 unless the Bulls re-sign him beforehand. Last week’s end found little momentum in favor of a new agreement.

Cowley’s story confirms what Johnson stated, increasing the likelihood that DeRozan will leave. DeRozan had expressed openly, though, that he intended to stay in Chicago after this summer.

“I still feel the same way about wanting to be here, but all I want is to win,” stated DeRozan, who can sign a free agent contract this summer. “I just want to have the chance to win and not have to watch the first or second round of the playoffs from home.” It irritates me.

What will become of DeMar DeRozan?

Which teams might be interested in signing the former Toronto Raptors star this summer is yet unknown. On the other hand, DeRozan might go back to his native California and sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, per ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. LeBron James, who turned down his player option, was reportedly considering taking a pay cut to allow the organization to acquire a limited number of players. Windhorst says he thinks DeRozan is one of the guys James would be willing to accept a salary reduction for.

In my opinion, there are more than three. DeMar DeRozan, in my opinion, is also on that list. And there might be one or two more.

Currently, DeRozan is among the top free agents accessible because of Paul George’s deal to join the Philadelphia 76ers. The 34-year-old may be helpful to a team like the Lakers considering he just finished one of his best seasons ever. After all, the offseason hasn’t even started yet. It’s possible, though, that we will learn more about DeRozan’s next stop sooner rather than later.