Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan said he is keen on staying in the Windy City for at least a few more years, as he spoke about this with reporters before their win over the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night.
“This is where I want to be,” DeMar DeRozan said via KC Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago. “I love ownership. I love everything about the city and the franchise, top to bottom—the front office, and the staff we have. “It’s one of those places that gives me motivation to see everybody get what they deserve and feel what winning is like again.”
This season, DeMar DeRozan averages 23.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 48 percent from the floor on a league-leading 37.7 minutes a night. Over the past three seasons, he has earned two All-Star selections and has been their go-to guy in clutch moments.
DeMar DeRozan is eligible for a veteran extension until June 30 before becoming an unrestricted free agent. However, while he has stated that he wants to remain a Chicago Bull, neither side has reached an agreement, leaving his future in doubt.
DeMar DeRozan is determined to make the Chicago Bulls successful
When he joined the Chicago Bulls during the 2021-22 season, DeMar DeRozan had a taste of success when they were one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference early on in the year. However, their campaign was ultimately stunted by injuries, particularly to Lonzo Ball, who has missed the last two seasons because of his ailing knee.
The Chicago Bulls eventually lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round. And last season, they were defeated by the Miami Heat in the play-in tournament.
This year, the Chicago Bulls are locked into another play-in spot, where they’ll host the 10th-seeded Atlanta Hawks. They may not make it far given their injury-ravaged roster, but DeMar DeRozan isn’t running away from the challenge of making the team competitive once again.
“The last couple years have been tough and so many ups and downs. But I always want to weather the storm and stick through whatever situation it is to make the most of it, to make it even better,” said DeMar DeRozan.
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