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Report ranks DeMar DeRozan at no.16 on the list of the best free agents this coming offseason
The trade deadline has come and passed, with the Chicago Bulls standing pat and keeping their core intact. However, with the offseason looming, there's already speculation about which players will be on the move and which teams will make big moves to acquire top talent.
One name consistently mentioned in free agency talks is DeMar DeRozan. The 34-year-old shooting guard has been a key player for the Bulls over the past three seasons, but his contract expires this summer. As a result, he will become a sought-after free agent on the market.
In fact, according to a recent report released by Bleacher Report, DeRozan ranks at number 16 on their list of the best free agents available this coming offseason.
An elite scorer
Experience matters a great deal in the NBA, and in that regard, Deebo has it in abundance. A six-time All-Star and three-time All-NBA team member, DeRozan's offensive prowess is well-documented. This season, he has continued to be a reliable scoring option, averaging 22.5 points per game. He also boasts a career average of over 21 points per game, which speaks to his consistency as a scorer.
However, Father Time is undefeated, and while DeRozan’s offensive skills haven’t diminished, it’s his work on the other end that’s concerning. DeRozan has never been known for his defense, and at 34 years old, he may struggle even more on that end of the floor as he ages.
“DeRozan is on track to average at least 20 points for the 11th straight season, but his struggles on defense have only gotten worse, and he'll be 35 this summer. Still, as perhaps the first option and lead playmaker for some team's second unit, DeRozan can still be a positive difference-maker,” Andy Bailey wrote.
What does the future hold for DeRozan?
DeRozan has reportedly said he’s open to signing a new contract that would keep him in Chicago but at the right price. This is understandable, considering this may be Deebo’s last chance at a hefty payday. However, given his age and the direction the Bulls are going, will continuing their partnership be the best move for both parties?
There’s no denying DeRozan is approaching the twilight of his career—one that still does not have an NBA title. If Deebo intends to go out in style, the Bulls may not provide him with an opportunity to contend for a championship.
