DeRozan's Bulls tenure ends as he's traded to Kings
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DeRozan is a Bull no more. Photo: Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images
The Bulls have parted ways with star DeMar DeRozan.
The big picture: DeRozan is part of a three-way trade with the Sacramento Kings and the San Antonio Spurs. The sign-and-trade deal gives DeRozan a three-year contract worth $74 million with the Kings, according to ESPN.
- The Bulls get Chris Duarte and two second-round picks plus cash considerations, signaling another rebuild.
Context: The 34-year-old DeRozan scored 24 points per game last season and was known at the United Center as "King of the Fourth" due to his clutch play late in the game.
- He was barely edged out by Steph Curry for the NBA's "2024 Clutch Player of the Year."
Yes, but: The Bulls haven't won a playoff series since he joined the team in 2021.
The intrigue: The Bulls are reshaping their roster this offseason with younger players. Gone are defensive star Alex Caruso, center Andre Drummond and DeRozan, who are all over 30 years old. In are Josh Giddey, draft pick Matas Buzelis and Indiana Pacers backup center Jalen Smith, all under 25.
- They also re-signed 22-year-old forward Patrick Williams.
- The newly acquired Duarte (27) is entering the final year of his rookie contract. He averaged 3.9 points per game for the Kings last year.
Reality check: Analysts are perplexed that the Bulls let DeRozan walk for little compensation when there was interest in him at last year's trade deadline.
By the numbers: DeRozan has been durable over his 15-year career, scoring 23,582 points, 32nd all-time in the NBA.
- He is a six-time All-Star, including twice with the Bulls.
What we're watching: The Bulls still haven't made a move on their other superstar, Zach LaVine. According to the Sun-Times, LaVine and the team's relationship is "all but shattered," yet the Bulls can't find a trade suitor to take on his massive contract.
The bottom line: DeRozan may not have won championships, but his consistent, clutch presence turned the Bulls from bottom-dwellers to playoff contenders.