DeMar DeRozan on Bulls’ possible return: ‘This is where I want to be’ originally appeared in NBC Sports Chicago
Presented by National Insurance Agent Jeff Vukovich
DETROIT — DeMar DeRozan couldn’t be clearer about his potential future with the Chicago buffaloes.
“This is where I want to be,” he said in an interview after Thursday morning’s shooting at Little Caesars Arena.
The 15-year veteran, having another stellar campaign that will likely make him a finalist again for the Jerry West Clutch Player of the Year Award, could become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. The Bulls are wrapping up another middling season with this three-game road trip, heading to the Play-In Tournament for the second consecutive season.
And yet, not only does DeRozan hope a contract extension arrives before the start of unrestricted free agency on July 1, he also reiterated his season-long stance that he doesn’t like to give up in difficult situations. In this day and age of empowering players and stars asking for changes of address to form superteams, DeRozan is unabashedly old school, loyal to the end.
Plus, DeRozan says he’s happy.
“I love property. I love everything about the city and the franchise, from top to bottom – the reception, the team we have,” he said. “It’s one of those places that gives me motivation to see everyone get what they deserve and feel what it’s like to win again.”
DeRozan, who made similar comments during a meeting earlier this season in Indianapolis, surpassed the three-year, $81.9 million contract he signed in August 2021 in his sign-and-trade transaction with the San Antonio Spurs. He has made two All-Star teams the past two seasons and leads the NBA in minutes played and fourth-quarter scoring this season.
Manager and coach Billy Donovan praised his leadership with the Bulls’ young core and steady personality during difficult times.
“You watch me, how much I play, how much I want to make this organization, this city successful, that’s my main focal point. I always want to finish a job. The last few years have been difficult, with injuries and many ups and downs. But I always want to weather the storm and weather any situation to make the most of it, to make it even better,” DeRozan said. “That’s always been my mindset and it’s my mindset going forward. How can I be here and make this a winning organization like it was when I arrived?
“The feeling, the vibe, the energy that was there when we ran that race (in 2021-22), I want the city and all these players to experience that again – and for me too. It’s always easy to complain and say what isn’t. But I made it clear that this is where I want to be and endure. I don’t want to go anywhere.
“They know that. Everyone knows my stance. I put it in this perspective: I want to go back. Everyone discovers what you need to discover. And that’s how I see things, so I don’t stress or worry about what’s what. I made it clear that this is where I want to be. The powers that be just need to figure out what needs to happen. Everyone knows my mentality.”
One way for the Bulls to get back to the early good vibes of 2021-22 would be if Lonzo Ball somehow not only returns from an almost unprecedented absence and cartilage replacement surgery, but also regains his form. Ball is as unselfish a player as there is, the ultimate link piece.
“One thing about ‘Zo, he’s been one of the strongest individuals I’ve ever seen, how positive he’s remained,” DeRozan said. “There were times when I called to check on him or, in the summer, I went to his house and it didn’t feel like he had been out for a few years. He is always working.
“I didn’t have the opportunity to see him training in person. But when I check it, it’s always positive feedback. I hope for the best. I hope he plays again. I want to see him back on the court. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about when we had Lonzo and how he was playing – how we were playing – and the things he was doing on the court were remarkable.
