DeMar DeRozan seen as one of the top 10 free agents in 2024

Could Deebo’s time in Chicago be up next year?

© John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

The 2023 free agency period was relatively quiet, with no earth-shattering moves made yet. However, next year's free agency period could be much more different as numerous potential franchise-altering talents will become available. One of those players is the Chicago Bulls' All-Star wingman DeMar DeRozan.

Aging like fine wine

By the time the 2024 free agency period comes around, DeRozan will be 35 years old. Father Time may be undefeated, but the six-time All-Star appears to be aging like fine wine. He averaged 24.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game last season, showing no signs of decline. And while time and some stats may not be on his side, there's no question DeMar remains one of the league's elite shotmakers.

"Despite a brief reprieve from this career-long trend in 2021-22, DeRozan's teams have had a worse net rating when he was on the floor in 10 of the past 11 seasons. You can explain away one or two seasons like that with lineup or other situational context. It's tough to do that for a 10-of-11 stretch," Andy Bailey wrote. "Having said that, there's no doubt that DeRozan is still one of the game's most prolific inside-the-arc scorers," he added.

Embracing a new role

A lot can happen in a year's time. Maybe the Bulls put it all together and make a deep run in the NBA Playoffs. Or it can go the other way, and the Bulls falter yet again. If the latter happens, it may be time for Deebo to embrace a new role. If he can't help the Bulls or any other team win as a key piece of their starting lineup, perhaps his value lies in being an effective sixth man and leader on the bench.

"When he turns 35 next summer, he may be ready to deploy his mid-range shooting and playmaking as the No. 1 guy for a second unit. In that role, his defensive shortcomings and hesitance to shoot threes wouldn't hurt as much. And the strengths of his game would be magnified against backup defenders," Bailey suggested.

Happy Birthday to the King of the Fourth! 👑@DeMar_DeRozan's Top 5 CLUTCH Plays: pic.twitter.com/bCTfnyH7Gx

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) August 7, 2023