Chicago Bulls star DeMar DeRozan is considering joining the Miami Heat, where he could team up with former Bulls player Jimmy Butler, according to a July 2 report by Barry Jackson from the Miami Herald. Butler, a six-time All-Star like DeRozan, began his NBA career with the Bulls.
However, there is a major obstacle to this move.
On the same day, Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes mentioned on the “thisleague UNCUT” podcast that DeRozan is unlikely to accept the nontaxpayer mid-level exception. Jackson further elaborated on X that both the Lakers and Heat only have the smaller $5.2 million exception, which is insufficient for DeRozan at this stage of his career. The Lakers could potentially offer this exception if LeBron James takes a salary cut. Additionally, the Lakers are better positioned for a sign-and-trade deal with DeRozan compared to the Heat, as teams exceeding the first salary cap apron, like the Heat, cannot engage in sign-and-trade deals.
DeRozan’s relationship with the Bulls has been deteriorating, highlighted by a lack of communication and the recent trade of Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder, as reported by Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times on July 1. This situation marks a significant shift from the previously positive discussions during the season.
DeRozan expressed a desire to stay with the Bulls but voiced his frustrations after their loss to the Heat in the second round of the Play-In Tournament for the second consecutive year. The Bulls have only made the playoffs once during DeRozan’s three years with the team.
Arturas Karnisovas, the Bulls’ executive vice president of basketball operations, initially emphasized DeRozan’s importance to the team during his season-ending press conference in April. However, his stance seemed more uncertain following the 2024 draft. The trade involving Josh Giddey was reportedly the last straw for DeRozan, according to Cowley.
Despite these challenges, Karnisovas noted that DeRozan’s return to the Bulls is still an option. Nevertheless, this appears unlikely due to stalled contract negotiations, as reported by Haynes, who described the relationship between DeRozan and the Bulls as “frozen.”
DeRozan’s previous experiences might also impact his current free agency. Haynes recalled that DeRozan expected to join the Lakers before signing with the Bulls in 2021, but a last-minute change of plans left DeRozan dissatisfied. DeRozan has started discussions with the Lakers about a new deal, yet, as per Jovan Buha of The Athletic on July 2, there is a delay regarding the compensation the Bulls would receive in such a deal.
DeRozan might have to settle for a less lucrative contract. He has been open about his belief that he was headed to the Lakers before they traded for Russell Westbrook instead. Despite keeping the possibility open of playing for the Lakers, this hasn’t significantly altered his current situation, even though James is reportedly willing to take a pay cut to make room for DeRozan.
The Bulls are primarily focused on moving Zach LaVine’s contract before potentially shifting their attention to DeRozan if he remains available. Haynes and ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski noted that while there is interest in DeRozan, the kind of contract he seeks might not be feasible in the current market. The Bulls are willing to facilitate a sign-and-trade to help DeRozan get a desired contract, but it may result in a one-year deal with hopes of a better market next year. Sign-and-trade deals require a minimum of three years, potentially at terms DeRozan might not find favorable.
