The Chicago Bulls are facing the future they’ve been reluctant to embrace as veteran forward DeMar DeRozan heads to the Sacramento Kings in a sign-and-trade deal. After three seasons with the Bulls, DeRozan will join Sacramento on a three-year, $73.7 million contract, with the third year partially guaranteed at $10 million.
In return, the Bulls receive Chris Duarte, two second-round picks, and cash from the Kings. Additionally, Sacramento is sending Harrison Barnes and an unprotected 2031 pick swap to the San Antonio Spurs. De’Aaron Fox played a crucial role in attracting DeRozan to the Kings, according to Bleacher Report and TNT’s Chris Haynes. DeRozan received a warm reception from Kings fans at Sacramento’s Summer League game.
Throughout the year, DeRozan’s future with the Bulls was a significant topic due to his impending free agency. Despite hopes to retain him, Chicago’s season did not improve after holding onto him through the trade deadline. The Bulls finished with a 39-43 record, missing the playoffs after losing to the Miami Heat in the play-in tournament.
The Bulls’ ongoing struggle with mediocrity, exacerbated by Lonzo Ball’s injury issues, led to a lack of significant roster changes. The team failed to trade DeRozan or Zach LaVine or make any additions by the deadline. The trade for Josh Giddey, who is younger but less effective than Alex Caruso, hinted at the Bulls’ need for a rebuild.
DeRozan, who averaged 24.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists last season, is expected to thrive in a secondary scoring role with the Kings. His departure allows the Bulls to consider a full rebuild, potentially leading to a new front office direction.
The Kings, after a quiet offseason re-signing Malik Monk and with significant contracts already in place for Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox, needed to make a move to improve their playoff chances. DeRozan, while not a game-changer at this stage of his career, should elevate the Kings’ competitive edge, potentially pushing them into the top six in the Western Conference.