Chicago Bulls Superstar DeMar DeRozan Makes a Bold Move by Turning Down a $13 Million MLE DealDeMar DeRozan (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The likelihood of DeMar DeRozan joining the LA Lakers or Miami Heat has decreased. According to the most recent sources, the Chicago Bulls guard is not interested in signing a $13 million MLE. NBA expert Chris Haynes stated that both clubs would need to be resourceful with their salary space if they wanted to sign the six-time NBA All-Star, following reports that the Heat was among the teams interested in his talents.

DeRozan’s name has been associated with the Lakers after their elimination from the Klay Thompson tournament. The 34-year-old signed a three-year, $50 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks, which included a player option.

This meant LA had to turn their attention to the following well-known free agent quickly. However, a contract with DeMar DeRozan is still in the works. The Bulls were purportedly amenable to a sign-and-trade agreement with the Lakers in recent reports.

At this point in his career, the player is more of a forward than a guard. Thus, he will try to sign and trade to increase his chances of signing a longer deal for the upcoming campaign.

Lakers’ Genuine Interest in DeMar DeRozan Revealed by Bulls Insider

K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports said the Bulls are prepared to carry out a sign-and-deal with LA. He continued by saying that the Lakers truly are interested in DeMar DeRozan.

“The Lakers’ interest is genuine, and the Bulls are open to sign-and-trade possibilities, sources confirmed. But any sign-and-trade would have to be for at least three years and at less annual salary than what DeRozan wants.”

The Bulls were where DeRozan played for the last three seasons. His season, which saw him average 24.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in 79 games, is over. His efforts, meanwhile, did not result in Chicago qualifying for the playoffs. Recall that DeRozan and the Bulls last made it to the postseason in the 2021–2022 campaign.

DeMar DeRozan is currently the most excellent free agent on the market, and his ties to Los Angeles help him. Along with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, he undoubtedly gives the Lakers offense more bite despite the legitimate worries about where he fits into the team. He is a qualified bucket with a track record of clutch performance, making him a valuable asset to the side.