4 Bulls Playing Their Final Season in Chicago
As the Chicago Bulls finish the remainder of their 2023-24 NBA schedule, don't be surprised if these four players aren't back in the Windy City next season.
The NBA trade deadline came and went, finalizing the Chicago Bulls' roster for the remainder of the 2023-24 NBA season.
Bulls fans headed into the deadline hoping that management would send large contracts packing to kickstart a much-needed rebuild. Instead, general manager Marc Eversley didn't make a single move, keeping the status quo in a season where the Bulls continuously bounce in and out of a Play-In Tournament spot.
But just because the entire roster survived the deadline doesn't mean everyone is guaranteed to return for the 2023-24 campaign. In fact, here are four Bulls who are likely playing their final season in Chicago.
1. SF/PF DeMar DeRozan
DeMar DeRozan has been a fan favorite ever since the San Antonio Spurs sent him to Chicago in a sign-and-trade deal back in 2021. The former USC Trojan has since played 202 games in a Bulls jersey, averaging 25.3 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds while shooting .496/.337/.869 with a pair of NBA All-Star appearances.
Nevertheless, DeRozan's pending free agency status left fans wondering about his future in Chicago. Experts reported throughout the season that the 34-year-old was a trade candidate, however, NBA insider Shams Charania reported after the deadline that the Bulls held on to DeRozan due to a lack of a "significant offer."
"For DeMar DeRozan there just was not a significant offer out there... (The Bulls) feel like keeping this team together is their best path forward."@ShamsCharania on why the Chicago Bulls did not make any moves at the NBA Trade Deadline.@BrookeFletcher | @Stadium | #TheRally pic.twitter.com/oTjeacCZbo
— The Rally (@TheRally) February 8, 2024
Even if the Bulls weren't receiving the best offers, they now risk losing DeRozan for nothing this offseason. He's getting older and likely wants a ring before hanging up his sneakers, which might not happen in Chicago given the team's current trajectory. Having only one playoff win during his tenure likely doesn't do any favors either.
Whether he walks outright or gets dealt in another sign-and-trade move, I don't expect to see DeRozan at the United Center next season unless he's a visitor.