5 Bulls Leaving Chicago in the New Year

The Chicago Bulls are in an interesting spot as the New Year approaches. The franchise looked destined for a rebuild after an abysmal 5-14 start to the 2023-24 NBA season. However, things have changed a lot since then as the Bulls have won nine of their last 14 games and sit 10th in the Eastern Conference with a 14-19 record as of Dec. 29.

Nevertheless, the campaign hasn't even reached its halfway point, meaning a lot can change over the course of 2024. There's a good chance that a chunk of the roster could be on its way out at some point in the New Year — especially if Chicago returns to its losing ways.

Here are five Bulls who are likely leaving Chicago in 2024.

5 Bulls Leaving in 2024

1. DeMar DeRozan

After spending the beginning of his career with the Toronto Raptors and San Antonio Spurs, DeMar DeRozan has played some of his best basketball with the Bulls.

The 34-year-old wing player has averaged 25.6 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds with .496/.342/.868 shooting splits over the last three seasons and played a big role in snapping the Bulls' four-year playoff drought in 2021-22.

Having said that, DeRozan is likely on his way out sooner rather than later. He's set to become a free agent at the end of the season and likely won't want to stay for a rebuild given that he'd like an NBA Championship ring before he hangs up his sneakers. Considering how the Bulls won't want to lose him for nothing, a trade ahead of the deadline makes sense.

DeRozan is one of the more well-respected veterans in the league with over 1,100 games between the regular season and playoffs under his belt. The Athletic's Sam Amick recently reported that the Miami Heat and New York Knicks are interested in his services, so chances are even more playoff-bound teams are interested.

After failing to bring a championship to the Windy City, DeRozan will likely get a shot at a ring elsewhere in the near future.