Getty DeMar DeRozan laying up the basketball during a March 4 game against the Sacramento Kings.
The Chicago Bulls and DeMar DeRozan are prepared to part ways this summer, and the Sacramento Kings loom as a likely destination for the six-time All-Star.
Sacramento Kings Radio reporter Sean Cunningham reported that there is a “mutual interest” between DeRozan and the Kings.
After speaking to several sources over the past 24 hours, I’m told there is “mutual interest” between DeMar DeRozan and the Sacramento Kings.
The 34-year-old, 6x All-Star led the NBA in minutes played & 4th quarter scoring last season in Chicago.
“After speaking to several sources over the past 24 hours, I’m told there is “mutual interest” between DeMar DeRozan and the Sacramento Kings,” Cunningham tweeted on July 5.
ESPN’s Marc Spears was first with reports of Kings’ interest in DeRozan. He called them a “dark horse,” on July 2.
The Kings are “a dark horse” to land DeMar DeRozan, according to Marc Spears 👀
“They’re a dark horse to get DeRozan,” Spears said on ESPN. “I want to see the Kings do something, make some moves, get back to the postseason. Kings will get back to the postseason next year. They got a move coming. Soon.”
James Ham of The Kings Beat reported that there is a potential sign-and-trade in place to get DeRozan to the Kings.
League sources confirm that Kings and Bulls have discussed a potential sign and trade for DeMar DeRozan. Trade requires a third team, which is lined up, but there is competition for DeRozan’s services.
“League sources confirm that Kings and Bulls have discussed a potential sign and trade for DeMar DeRozan,” Ham tweeted. “Trade requires a third team, which is lined up, but there is competition for DeRozan’s services.”
DeRozan is coming off of his 15th career season, and his third in Chicago.
He averaged 24 points, 5.3 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 79 regular-season appearances with the Bulls last season.
Barling: ‘DeMar Just Needs to Say Yes’
Adding fuel to the fire, ESPN radio host Damien Barling tweeted that teams are just waiting on DeRozan’s answer.
The Kings have had interest in DeRozan from jump. He was someone they talked about internally and targeted. Talks started slow but have gained significant steam in the last day or so. Everything is in place for the Kings to pull this off. Demar just needs to say yes.
“Everything is in place for the Kings to pull this off,” Barling tweeted. “Demar just needs to say yes.”
Ham had mentioned there is competition for DeRozan’s services. That would seem to refer to the LA Clippers, who have reported interested in the wake of Paul George‘s exit.
K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports pegged them as a potential landing spot ahead of George’s departure for the Philadelphia 76ers.
“Keep the Clippers in mind as a potential DeMar DeRozan destination if Paul George signs elsewhere,” Johnson tweeted on June 26.
DeRozan was born and raised in California. A return home is in play for the 35-year-old.
But it would seemingly only be to the Clippers, as Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report reported that his talks with the Los Angeles Lakers are “frozen.”
Haynes made the claim on a July 2 episode of the “#ThisLeague Uncut Podcast” which he hosts with longtime insider Marc Stein.
“I would consider it frozen,” Haynes said on the podcast. “Antarctica.”
It appears up to DeRozan to choose between the two California suitors.
What Would Bulls Receive in DeRozan Trade?
Without reporting of the potential third team, it’s hard to say exactly what Chicago could net in a trading of DeRozan.
But as long as the Kings are involved, it’s likely a return would center on 12-year veteran Harrison Barnes.
Barnes is under contract for the next two seasons at $18 and $19-million annually.
Barnes averaged 12.2 points in 82 appearances with Sacramento last season, and plays the same position as DeRozan.
Dependent upon the contract they offer the Bulls’ star, guard Kevin Huerter would be in play as well. He’s under contract for $16.8 and $17.9 million over the next two years.
Huerter averaged 10.2 points on 36% three-point shooting last season in what was considered a down year for the 25-year-old.
Those two, along with draft compensation seem the most likely, and optimal outcome for Chicago.
The two veterans would represent chances at acquiring further assets if the Bulls can flip them to other teams. It’s never easy admitting defeat in an $81.2 million talent like DeRozan.
But it can be viewed at less so if Karnisovas maximizes the return.