Despite uncertainties regarding his future in Chicago, DeMar DeRozan remain loyalty to the Bulls

Even though he still hasn't signed an extension, Deebo remains professional and bold in his leadership role in Chicago.

© David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Despite the uncertainty that looms around him and the Chicago Bulls, DeMar DeRozan remains committed to playing for the Windy City. DeRozan understands the unpredictability of his future with his team. Regardless of that, his perspective won't change, and his desire to continue wearing a Bulls uniform remains unmoved.

“Chicago is Chicago to me,” he said. “I love it here. Obviously it’s a place I want to be in my career. None of that has changed. I don’t have no other type of doubts or feelings or suggestions to be elsewhere. That don’t cross my mind.”

DeMar’s current contract situation

Deebo is in the final year of the three-year contract worth $81.9MM he inked for the Bulls as part of the sign-and-trade deal with the San Antonio Spurs last 2021. For 24 games this season, he is averaging 22.3 points and 5.3 assists while shooting 43.7 percent from the field.

Earlier this week, it was reported by Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report that both DeMar and the Bulls are “far apart” from an extension. Should sides not reach an agreement, Haynes suggested that the Bulls would rather trade the 34-year-old ahead of the trade deadline than allow him to walk freely in next offseason’s free agency.

DeMar is eligible to sign a maximum extension of $179 million for four years, but it is yet to be seen if the Bulls will hand him an offer sheet with this value.

Unbothered to lead

As Chicago continues to draw considerable trade barbs given the underwhelming progress they have so far this season, Deebo is one of several franchise players that have been designated for trade, including Zach LaVine and Alex Caruso.

But amid the buzzing outside noise, DeMar just reiterated his mission of leading the Bulls for a dramatic season turnaround.

“Me being in the league so long, I understand this period of time, it just comes with the occupation,” DeRozan said. “I really don’t pay no mind to it. My priority is to be here, make this organization and this team successful and get through whatever tough stuff we’re going through.”

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