SUMMARY
- DeMar DeRozan should officially part ways with the Bulls to have a better chance of winning a title.
- The Bulls are bound to implode with tensions that have risen between them and Zach LaVine, and this could impact DeRozan's legacy.
DeMar DeRozan is certainly a superstar who has witnessed a ton of misfortune over the last few years. After spending a good chunk of his career with the Toronto Raptors, the 34-year-old was shipped to the San Antonio Spurs for Kawhi Leonard. Toronto ended up winning a title while DeRozan struggled with a tanking Spurs team.
Since then, DeRozan signed with the Chicago Bulls. Over the last three seasons, the Bulls haven’t experienced too much success despite running DeRozan alongside an incredibly versatile center and one of the best isolation players in the league. The Big 3 featuring the LA native, Zach LaVine, and Nikola Vucevic hasn’t worked out at all. DeRozan is currently testing out free agency.
The Bulls are bound to disaster
Having worked out the blueprints already, it doesn’t seem like the Bulls Big 3 are meant to play alongside each other. For DeMar DeRozan, re-signing with the Bulls might take away valuable years from his career while he could possibly sign with another team and win a championship. This is solely based on the situation that the Bulls are currently facing with LaVine.
DeMar DeRozan belongs on a contender. His game and skill level looked sharper than ever in year 15. He can help a young team take the next step or co-lead with a group of vets. pic.twitter.com/ry3MyC8Z4m
— Ball Don’t Stop (@balldontstop) June 29, 2024
Recently, sources revealed that Chicago isn’t happy with LaVine based on his decision to opt for a season-ending surgery when he could’ve chosen rehab instead. With a ruptured relationship like this, the Bulls are going to remain firm in rewiring the roster. But it cannot happen at the expense of DeRozan’s remaining few years in the league. Despite being 34, he’s certainly still a valuable player who can provide much-required numbers to championship-caliber teams that desperately need it.
Despite being an odd fit, DeMar DeRozan could benefit the Lakers in some ways
The LA Lakers are currently the favorites to potentially land DeMar DeRozan. The Bulls and Lakers are currently discussing potential sign-and-trade scenarios which may include a third team. DeRozan has turned down a middle-level exception offer from the Bulls worth $13 million.
remember when DeMar DeRozan scored 50 against the clippers
pic.twitter.com/joA2gLIHnq— BonesMuse (@jibbamiester) July 2, 2024
But if the Lakers land the 6x All-Star, there is some concern regarding how well he’d fit into the roster. The Lakers have most of what they need but have failed to utilize their assets properly. Hopefully, JJ Redick will turn things around and there is a lot of optimism around his ideas of coaching.
DeRozan might as well sign with the Lakers and increase his chances of winning a title, thus solidifying his name in the Hall of Fame conversation. He might not have a spot open for him on the roster, but he’s certainly going to be a boost to their existing firepower.