While the Chicago Bulls await a better trade offer for All-Star guard Zach LaVine, they have to resolve a situation with another key player: 15-year veteran DeMar DeRozan.

In 2023-24, DeRozan was on the final year of the three-year contract he signed with the Bulls in 2021. Turning 35 in August, this may be his final opportunity to land a lucrative long-term deal. A gifted offensive player, DeRozan averaged 24.0 points and 5.3 points per game in the regular season. Remarkably consistent, he’s averaged at least 20 points and 4 assists per game in 10 of the last 11 seasons.

That on-court consistency is exactly what the Bulls need in an era marked by instability. When combined with his leadership, it may make him more valuable to Chicago than he is to any team.

Bulls Have Made Contract Offer to DeMar DeRozan

Per NBC Sports Chicago’s K.C. Johnson, “the Bulls recently offered DeRozan’s representative a two-year deal at a high annual salary, perhaps as much as $40 million per season.”

DeRozan made $28.6 million in 2023-24, meaning the Bulls want to bring him back at a significant discount. Indeed, he’ll have to sacrifice nearly a third of his previous salary. However, while that’s a hard pill to swallow, DeRozan should seriously consider accepting the offer.

Only four teams are projected to have at least $30 million in cap space this summer: the Detroit Pistons ($60.5 million), Philadelphia 76ers ($56.2 million), Utah Jazz ($37.9 million), and Oklahoma City Thunder ($35.4 million).

Two of those teams —the Pistons and Jazz —are rebuilding. DeRozan playing hardball makes sense if he believes the Sixers or Thunder will outbid the Bulls. He shouldn’t though.

Square Fit, Round Hole

Philadelphia has been linked to potential free agents like Paul George and Klay Thompson. Subsequently, they seem to want a wing with a better 3-point stroke than DeRozan offers. Such a player fits both Daryl Morey and Nick Nurse’s offensive philosophy, both placing an emphasis on the 3-ball. The Sixers could make accommodations for DeRozan but it’s not obvious that they would.

Close But Not Close Enough

Oklahoma City makes more sense from a stylistic standpoint.

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault’s team also makes consistent use of the 3-ball. Nonetheless, DeRozan can be an offensive hub in isolation or use his scoring gravity to open up shots for others. Furthermore, his veteran savvy and maturity would benefit a young up-and-coming team that’s getting its first taste of the playoffs this year.

However, the Thunder need to shore up their perimeter and big man depth this offseason. That brings to question how much they could spare for DeRozan even if they were interested.

Dark Horse Candidate

“DeRozan is seeking a longer-term deal,” though “that merely be part of negotiations.” To that end, he may be able to convince Chicago to add another year to the deal, a contract that could bring him through the end of his storied career. However, if he can’t get that from the Bulls, there may be a dark horse candidate to sign him in free agency.

The San Antonio Spurs could look to bring DeRozan back after he spent three seasons with the franchise. With a projected $27.6 million in cap space this offseason, they could also eclipse the Bulls’ offer. Although they don’t offer the veteran a chance to compete for a championship on paper, the greatness of Victor Wembanyama is such that nothing is out of the realm of possibility.

DeRozan will steady the Spurs’ offense upon arrival. A point guard-needy team, having DeRozan’s playmaking at their disposal greatly enhances their halfcourt dynamics. The same holds true of his scoring ability, as he’ll be their most reliable one-on-one scorer depending on the offseason improvements Wembanyama makes.