Insider says DeMar DeRozan and the Bulls are "far apart" in an extension

Deebo might be dealt before the trade deadline if extension talks don't materialize.

© John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

While DeMar DeRozan has powered the Chicago Bulls to a positive streak, there remains uncertainty about his future in the franchise. He is in the final season of a three-year, $81.9M contract he inked with the Bulls last 2021. He’s about to earn $28.6M this season and will be an unrestricted free agent if he fails to agree on an extension.

Unfortunately, it appears that both the All-Star and Chicago are too distant from any ideas of a potential extended pact with a trade likely on the table.

Still at a standstill

According to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, DeRozan and the Bulls remain far apart during extension talks. As pointed out by Haynes, there is a huge possibility that Chicago will make DeMar available in the market and move him at the trade deadline if they are not able to reach a new deal.

Haynes has noted that the Bulls will prefer to squeeze the remaining value of the veteran rather than possibly let him walk for nothing in next year's free agency.

“I was told that if DeRozan and the Bulls, if they cannot reach a contract extension, it is pretty likely that the Bulls may look to move DeMar DeRozan at the trade deadline,” Haynes said. “I don’t think the Bulls want to be put in a situation where DeMar DeRozan can walk in free agency and they get nothing in return.”

What would unfold between Deebo and Chicago?

Besides his expiring contract, the Bulls’ lopsided campaign so far and the lack of the team's competitive progress from the previous seasons have influenced Deebo to frequently see his name being circulated in the league's trade rumors.

He remains active through the numbers by averaging 21.8 points, 5.0 assists, and 3.6 boards this season. As the trade deadline looms, many contending teams might bet on themselves and acquire his scoring and playmaking service.

DeMar with his first 40-piece of the season.

41 points | 14-30 FG | 11 assists pic.twitter.com/clUGGDfMw8

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 12, 2023

But if he manages to carry the Bulls to a dramatic season recovery before the trade deadline, it might produce a wind of change, especially at the end of the franchise.

DeMar DeRozan lands in no. 50 in the early season edition of player rankings