Tag: DeMar DeRozan

Does DeMar DeRozan have leverage in extension talks with Bulls?

Who has leverage in extension talked: DeMar DeRozan or the Chicago Bulls?

The Chicago Bulls stood pat at the trade deadline for the third year in a row this season, choosing to keep their core intact. However, rumors have indicated that the Bulls plan on trying to trade Zach LaVine this summer. But where does that leave DeMar DeRozan? Will he still be on the team?

DeRozan is about to wrap up the final year of his contract with the Bulls, and the two sides didn’t work out an extension. That means he’ll be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, free to sign with any team he wants. However, he could still re-sign with the Bulls.

The Chicago Bulls Central YouTube channel recently discussed whether or not DeRozan has leverage in extension talks with the Bulls.

By not trading DeRozan, the Bulls now run the risk of losing him for nothing in free agency. And while it would allow them to move on from the current era, they still lose a lot of value.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Why do some Chicago Bulls fans dislike DeMar DeRozan so much?

DeRozan’s status as a looming free agent has opened up some surprising rifts in Bulls fandom.

Some of the Chicago Bulls‘ fan base were pulling for the Bulls to trade the expiring contract of DeMar DeRozan in order to prevent the veteran wing from leaving the team for nothing in free agency this summer.

Others were banking on the Bulls’ ability to re-sign the Chicago swingman to a deal that makes sense for the Bulls in terms of both years and money. And while the latter option is by far the tougher needle to thread in most cases, Chicago’s front office elected to go that route this summer. DeRozan’s status as a looming free agent has opened up some surprising rifts in Bulls fandom.

Why do some Bulls fans dislike DeRozan so much?

To explore this unexpected wrinkle to the season on a recent episode, the host of the “Chicago Bulls Central” podcast, Haize, weighed in on this odd trend of DeRozan hate. Check it out above!

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

DeMar DeRozan has earned another NBA deal – but will it be with the Chicago Bulls?

What does he value late in his career, and how many years is he looking for in his next deal? 

Fans of the Chicago Bulls were confused when the team’s front office elected to stand pat instead of trading away players on expiring deals like Andre Drummond and DeMar DeRozan. But it seems the Bulls hope to re-sign DeRozan at least, and the veteran wing has more than earned another lucrative deal in the NBA. But what if it is not with Chicago?

To talk it over on a recent episode, the host of the “Chicago Bulls Central” podcast, Haize, broke down the dynamics at play in any return of DeRozan to Chicago next season. How much could he get in free agency? Does he even want to return to such a situation? What does he value late in his career, and how many years is he looking for in his next deal?

Most importantly, could he end up getting poached by another ball club?

Take a look at the clip embedded above to hear Haize’s thoughts on the matter.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

How DeMar DeRozan’s recent play impacts his future with the Chicago Bulls

Could both parties know something about the future of their relationship the rest of us do not?

The Chicago Bulls surprised fans and analysts both when the team’s front office let the 2024 NBA trade deadline come and go without making an effort to move on from looming free agents who might leave the ball club this summer for nothing, including star veteran wing DeMar DeRozan.

But since, then, neither DeRozan nor the Bulls seem especially concerned about getting a deal done, hinting both parties may know something about the future of their relationship the rest of us do not. DeRozan’s recent play in particular could boost his stock as a free agent — or could make the Bulls look brilliant if they can get DeRozan re-signed on a quality contract.

On a recent episode, the hosts of the “CHGO Bulls” podcast weighed in on what they think will go down in free agency with the Chicago veteran.

Take a look at the clip embedded above to hear what they had to say.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

DeMar DeRozan set to put Bulls’ blowout loss to Mavericks behind them

DeMar DeRozan emphasized the importance of putting the Chicago Bulls’ loss to the Dallas Mavericks behind them.

As the season nears its end, the Chicago Bulls are really only fighting for postseason positioning with the Atlanta Hawks. It’s almost certain that they’ll be in the 9/10 game of the Play-In Tournament, but it’s unclear whether or not they will have homecourt advantage for that game, as they are being contested by Atlanta.

With that in mind, every game is important for the Bulls down the stretch. Unfortunately, they got blown out of the water on Monday night. The Dallas Mavericks were in town and earned a 127-92 win over the Bulls, as Luka Doncic and their big men, Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II, completely took over.

However, DeMar DeRozan stated the importance of putting that game behind them. (H/t Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune)

“I feel like every team is due for a butt-kicking of some sort,” DeRozan said. “We’ve got to let [the Mavericks game] be our last and only one the rest of the season.”

Chicago will have a chance to bounce back on Wednesday night against the Indiana Pacers.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

DeMar DeRozan on Lonzo Ball: ‘It’s always great to see him’

Chicago Bulls star DeMar DeRozan recently spoke about his interactions with Lonzo Ball.

When the Chicago Bulls shook up their roster in 2021, the front office made a clear decision to push for competitiveness. They were sick of rebuilding and chose to add talent. At the beginning of the year, that choice paid off. They were one of the best teams in the East, but then Lonzo Ball went down with an injury.

It’s been over two full years since then, and Ball has still yet to play in a game for the Bulls since. And until now, there haven’t been many positive updates regarding his potential return. However, it was recently reported that he’s been cleared for “advanced rehab activities.”

DeMar DeRozan recently spoke about what his conversations are like with Ball, and how it’s great when he gets to see him in person. (H/t Julia Poe of the Chicago Tribune)

“It’s always great to see him,” DeRozan said. “The word[s] that he comes with is such a positive, uplifting feeling that he brings, so whenever you’re around, it’s good to see him. Just a reminder [of] the type of special person he is.”

Ball may not be able to play yet, but his spirits are high.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Billy Donovan praises DeMar DeRozan for ‘old-school mentality’

Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan recently praised DeMar DeRozan for his “old-school mentality.”

The Chicago Bulls have played in a ton of close games this year. They’ve played in their fair share of blowouts, too. But no matter what type of game they’re playing in, Chicago needs all of their top players in every game just to have a chance, as they aren’t one of the top teams in terms of talent.

They aren’t the Boston Celtics, they aren’t the Denver Nuggets, they aren’t even the New Orleans Pelicans or New York Knicks. The Bulls are fighting and scrapping for a spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs, and they’ll have to get there by way of making it through the Play-In Tournament.

Luckily for the Bulls, they have stars who want to play in every game, headlined by DeMar DeRozan. Head coach Billy Donovan recently praised DeRozan for this mentality. (H/t Julia Poe of the Chicago Tribune)

“He’s got an old-school mentality,” Donovan said. “It’s: ‘Line up and play. I did it my whole life. I love the game. I want to be out there as much as I can.’ And I don’t take it for granted.”

DeRozan has appeared in 60 games this season, playing a league-leading 37.8 minutes per contest.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

DeMar DeRozan discusses necessary Bulls mindset after win over Jazz

After the Chicago Bulls’ win over the Utah Jazz, DeMar DeRozan discussed the importance of having the right mindset.

Few things have come easy for the Chicago Bulls this season. From an early-season slump to season-ending injuries to Zach LaVine and Patrick Williams, the Bulls have been put through the wringer. Despite all that, they still have a chance to make the playoffs this year by way of the Play-In Tournament.

With that in mind, they need to be putting forth their maximum effort on a nightly basis just for a chance at a chance to make the playoffs. At this point in the season, every single win is important. And on Wednesday night, the Bulls eeked out a win over the Utah Jazz by a score of 119-117.

After the game, DeMar DeRozan spoke about the importance of having the right mindset will be for Chicago down the stretch of the season.

“We just got to stay the course, do what we need to do, pull out the victory and carry on,” DeRozan said via ESPN. “Every single game is going to be tough.”

This may have not been the best season for the Bulls, but they’ll never stop fighting.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

DeMar DeRozan discusses Bulls’ inability to avoid clutch games

The Chicago Bulls play in a ton of close games, and DeMar DeRozan recently spoke about it.

As the season has gone on, the Chicago Bulls have maintained their spot in the Play-In race in the Eastern Conference. After a slow start, they’ve pulled themselves all the way back. But no matter how hard they try, the Bulls just can’t seem to avoid playing in close games on a nightly basis. They’re constantly fighting for tough victories.

Whether they win or lose, the Bulls have found themselves in close games time and time again. They’ve played in the third-most clutch games this season and the most clutch minutes in the league – 30 minutes more than the team in second place.

DeMar DeRozan recently spoke about the Bulls’ inability to avoid close games. (H/t Julia Poe of the Chicago Tribune)

“We’re like a ‘Dateline’ episode or something,” DeRozan said. “It’s a crazy thing, but it’s big because we kind of relish in those moments and take it to another level. We try to continue to stress on not continuously putting ourselves in a tough position to dig ourselves out of a hole. It’s tough.”

Chicago has won some of their close games, but their lives would be much easier if they could avoid them.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Dinners with DeMar DeRozan – Episode 1: Draymond Green

Credit to DeMar DeRozan for speaking up about mental health awareness.

In the first episode of his new series “Dinners With Demar,” NBA star and former USC basketball legend DeMar DeRozan sat down for a conversation on mental health with friend and fellow NBA star Draymond Green.

“To say this series is groundbreaking would be an understatement.” – USA TODAY

The mental health angle with Draymond Green might be overplayed. Draymond’s antics and behavior on the court might not reflect a “mental health issue” with Draymond, a player who merely seems to lack self-control to an alarming extent. That point should be mentioned. However, even if you might be skeptical of Draymond Green as a specific example of (or spokesman for) mental health awareness in the NBA, it’s still a good thing that two prominent and successful athletes are talking about mental health. The conversation matters less because Draymond Green is part of it. It matters more because two very visible NBA stars are talking to each other about an issue which deserves more attention and recognition. Kudos to DeMar DeRozan for making this happen.

Visit our friends at Fighting Irish Wire, Buffaloes Wire, and Ducks Wire. Follow our newest sites, UW Huskies Wire and UCLA Wire.