Only $20 Million! Where Will 35-Year-Old DeMar DeRozan Land Next?

As the free agency market continues to unfold, it’s becoming clear that this year lacks the star-studded allure of previous seasons. With top players like LeBron James, Paul George, Tyrese Maxey, and OG Anunoby already signed, the pool of remaining high-profile free agents is shrinking. Among the biggest names left is DeMar DeRozan, whose future has become a focal point for fans and analysts alike.

According to recent reports from ESPN insiders, DeRozan is seeking a contract worth between $20 million and $25 million per year, and several teams are interested in acquiring his services. Notable suitors include the Sacramento Kings and the Los Angeles Lakers, though both teams lack the necessary cap space and would need to facilitate a sign-and-trade deal to bring him on board. Moreover, the Bulls are reluctant to exceed the luxury tax threshold, which means any trade will likely require a third party to balance the financials.

The Chicago Bulls' Current Situation

This summer, the Bulls traded away their most valuable player, Alex Caruso, in exchange for the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 21-year-old tall point guard, Josh Giddey. This move signaled the Bulls' intention to rebuild. In the wake of Caruso’s departure, rumors have swirled that the Bulls are also shopping Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic. In LaVine's case, the Bulls are reportedly willing to include a first-round pick to facilitate a trade. As for DeRozan, at 34 years old, he clearly doesn’t fit into the Bulls' long-term plans. Given the financial constraints of most contending teams, DeRozan will likely need to be part of a sign-and-trade to secure his desired salary.

With the Bulls currently $13 million below the luxury tax line, any straightforward trade that matches salaries would push them into tax territory—a situation they are keen to avoid. This scenario necessitates the involvement of a third team, similar to how the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors included the Charlotte Hornets in the Klay Thompson sign-and-trade deal.

DeMar DeRozan's Contract Desires

Is a salary between $20 million and $25 million per year unreasonable for DeRozan? Hardly. DeRozan has endured significant career lows, notably in the summer of 2021 when he hit the free agent market and found lukewarm interest. Ultimately, the Bulls signed him to a three-year, $81.9 million contract, a deal that was initially panned by ESPN as one of the worst signings of that offseason. However, DeRozan defied expectations, delivering peak performance over the course of his contract.

In his three years with the Bulls, DeRozan posted impressive stats:

• 2021-22 season: 27.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game with a 50.4% field goal percentage and a 59.0% true shooting percentage.
• 2022-23 season: 24.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game with a 50.4% field goal percentage and a 59.2% true shooting percentage.
• 2023-24 season: 24.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game with a 48.0% field goal percentage and a 58.4% true shooting percentage.

Over these three seasons, DeRozan made two All-Star appearances and was named to the All-NBA Second Team once. He also led the Bulls back to the playoffs for the first time in several years. Despite a slight decline in scoring and no significant improvement in his three-point shooting, DeRozan maintained high efficiency. His mid-range game and finishing at the rim remain elite, and his playmaking skills, honed during his time with the San Antonio Spurs, have improved markedly. Last season, despite the Bulls lacking a primary point guard, DeRozan averaged 5.3 assists against just 1.7 turnovers per game—a noteworthy achievement.

Moreover, DeRozan's clutch performance is undeniable. In his first year with the Bulls, he made headlines with consecutive game-winning buzzer-beaters. In subsequent seasons, he continued to be recognized as one of the league's top clutch players, a quality highly valued by many teams.

Had DeRozan been 25 years old and in his prime, he would undoubtedly command a max contract. Unfortunately, at 34, and with his 35th birthday approaching next month, a salary range of $20 million to $25 million per year seems reasonable. A longer contract might come with a lower annual salary, while a shorter deal could justify a higher figure.

Potential Destinations for DeRozan

So, where might DeRozan land next? Three teams emerge as plausible destinations.

1. Los Angeles Lakers

DeRozan and the Lakers have long had mutual interest. Los Angeles is DeRozan’s hometown, and joining forces with LeBron James and Anthony Davis would be a dream scenario. However, following LeBron’s max contract extension, the Lakers' payroll has exceeded the second luxury tax apron, making any trade for DeRozan complicated. Matching salaries would likely require moving D’Angelo Russell and including a first-round pick, a costly proposition. Additionally, the Lakers have had mixed results with signing veteran players in the twilight of their careers, adding an element of risk to pursuing DeRozan.

2. Sacramento Kings

The Kings broke a 17-year playoff drought in 2023, only to be ousted in the second round last season. In the highly competitive Western Conference, merely having De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis might not suffice for a deeper playoff run. Adding DeRozan could bolster their chances, not necessarily for a championship, but at least for advancing further in the postseason. His scoring and playmaking would be valuable assets for a team looking to make a significant impact.

3. Miami Heat

The Heat’s 2023 run to the Finals as an eighth seed was nothing short of spectacular, though they fell short in the first round this year due to injuries. A healthy Heat roster remains formidable with stars like Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, along with key contributors such as Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. However, the offseason may see them lose key players like Caleb Martin. Considering the strength of the Eastern Conference, with teams like the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Philadelphia 76ers, the Heat could use an additional star to remain competitive. DeRozan’s experience and clutch ability could be the perfect fit for a team aiming for another deep playoff run.

The Bigger Picture

Regardless of where DeRozan ends up—be it the Lakers, Kings, or Heat—his arrival would likely form a new “Big Three” with the existing stars on those teams. While the era of the Big Three might seem to be waning, adding a player of DeRozan’s caliber at a reasonable price is undeniably attractive. DeRozan has proven his worth during his tenure with the Bulls, but his three-year stint saw only one playoff appearance and just one postseason win, somewhat wasting his peak years. With his 35th birthday around the corner, this next contract may very well be his last substantial deal and his final opportunity to contend for a championship as a core player. His decision this summer will be crucial, shaping the twilight of his illustrious career.