DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls not close in contract extension talks

The Chicago Bulls entered the season after a summer of re-signings. They brought back Nikola Vucevic, Coby White, and Ayo Dosunmu, all on three-year deals. Despite the fanbase’s outcry for the team to rebuild, Chicago decided to push forward, and while it may not be the direction most people wanted to see them go in, they committed.

Now, they’ll be faced with the tough decision of whether or not to extend DeMar DeRozan. They signed DeRozan in free agency in 2021, but if they fail to make serious strides toward the playoffs, then bringing him back into the fold may not be worth it. It’s a weird line they have to ride.

That said, the Bulls and DeRozan have reportedly been talking about an extension, but according to Shams Charania of The Athletic on “Run It Back,” the two sides are far apart on talks.

“The Bulls want to bring DeMar DeRozan back, whether that’s on an extension or in free agency,” Charania said. “They’ve been talking about an extension, but I’ve been told the sides are apart on multiple fronts. Years, salary. Also, DeMar DeRozan wants to see where this Bulls team goes.” (H/t Tyler Conway of Bleacher Report)

DeRozan’s contract talks with the Bulls should be monitored closely as the year goes on.

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Story originally appeared on Lonzo Wire