REPORT: DeMar DeRozan hit the ‘last straw’ with the Bulls and is ready to move on

Nearly all season, the Bulls and DeMar DeRozan have both made it known that there was mutual interest in a reunion this offseason as the veteran forward was set to hit free agency. Apparently, that’s no longer the case.

A new report from Chicago Sun-Times reporter Joe Cowley on the Bulls said today that DeRozan was no longer interested in returning to Chicago.

“A source told the Sun-Times Sunday night that the Alex Caruso-Josh Giddey trade was the final straw in DeRozan’s mind for any sort of return, as the 34-year-old will now use his free agency to shop elsewhere.”

Joe Cowley, Chicago Sun-Times

End of the DeMar DeRozan era in Chicago?

To be fair, DeRozan and Chicago had been heading toward a breakup for quite some time. If it was indeed the Josh Giddey-Alex Caruso trade that was the final straw for DeRozan, it makes all the sense in the world.

The Bulls are moving very quickly towards a youth movement, which is absolutely the right direction for the franchise. With DeMar already 34 years old and Chicago taking a step back to get younger, a return made no sense for either team. DeRozan probably wants to win a title or at least have a chance before his career ends, and the Bulls are a long way from achieving that.

Not only have the Bulls made a drastic effort to get younger, but taking a step back next year is actually in their best interest in the long run. The 2025 draft class is considered very talented, and Chicago owes San Antonio its first-round pick next season if it goes outside the top 10. So, essentially, bringing back DeRozan and having him single-handedly win a few games that could put this team in another play-in spot would, in all likelihood, cost Chicago its first-round pick in a very important draft.

It’s unfortunate that the Bulls and DeRozan weren’t able to win anything substantial during his time here. And the Bulls’ lack of success really had nothing to do with DeRozan. He was a great Bull, played big minutes every night, and was a model of professionalism for a group of young players like Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu. However, with where he is in his career, the money he’s going to make, and the general direction of the Bulls franchise right now, breaking up always seemed like the most logical end point for both parties.