USC Basketball: Impending Free Agent DeMar DeRozan Hints At NBA Future

Will DeRozan remain a Bull for the rest of his career?

The NBA Trade deadline came and went, and for the most part, it was uneventful. The big-time players, including former USC Trojan star and current Chicago Bulls guard DeMar DeRozan, stood pat. 

There were rumors that DeRozan could be moved before this past Thursday's trade deadline. However, the Bulls were neither sellers nor buyers. Instead, they retained DeRozan for at least the remainder of the year. 

The question now arises on whether DeRozan will be a Bull past this season. He will be an unrestricted free agent after this season. A lot will be discussed between DeRozan and the Bulls. As for the 34-year-old, he wants to go somewhere he is wanted and compared a player-team relationship to a couples relationship. 

"It's kind of like with your spouse. It's a relationship. It's like, 'What do we need to do to work on this, baby?'" DeRozan said, smiling. "'Let's figure this thing out. You want me. I want you.' The love is there."

(per DeMar DeRozan via NBC Sports Chicago)

DeRozan expressed what he wanted, and so did Bulls vice president Artūras Karnišovas. Bulls insider K.C. Johnson reported Karnišovas said he wants DeRozan to be a Bull. 

Artūras Karnišovas reiterates he hopes to re-sign DeMar DeRozan: "I love DeMar. He's huge for this team, this city, this organization."

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) February 8, 2024

At the end of the day, it will be up to DeRozan and what he wants. Will he want to commit to being a Bull even though they are nowhere close to contending? Does he want to make the most money as his career is winding down? Or does he want to play for a contender? 

These are all fair questions, as he isn't getting any younger. The Bulls are stuck in mediocrity, and it's hard to believe he will want to be part of another wasted season. 

A lot can happen from now until July. We'll closely monitor the former Trojan and what he decided to do this upcoming off-season.