Report: Bulls finalizing sign-and-trade with Spurs for DeMar DeRozan [UPDATE]

Update — DeRozan and the Bulls are close to reaching an agreement, per Haynes. DeRozan was also talking to the Clippers, but it appears the Bulls will land DeRozan. Shams Charania has more details on the deal with the Spurs. It would appear, as of now, Markkanen is not involved. Does this mean the Bulls will land DeRozan and also retain Mark?

DeRozan’s contract with the Bulls is for three years at $85 million, so just under $30 million per season. DeRozan was making $27 million on his previous deal. The Bulls are sending Al-Farouq Aminu along with Thad Young and the picks to San Antonio as part of the S&T. Aminu was reported by KC Johnson.

The Chicago Bulls are having quite the offseason and it seems the team isn’t done making moves. The latest rumors surrounding DeMar DeRozan is that the UFA SG could head to Chicago via sign-and-trade with the San Antonio Spurs, per Marc Stein of the New York Times. This sign-and-trade would likely involve RFA PF Lauri Markkanen.

Update — Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports is reporting DeRozan is also expected to meet with the Los Angeles Clippers. DeRozan is from Compton, so he has ties to Los Angeles and could play with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.

If the Bulls were to add DeRozan via S&T, they’d likely be the big winners of free agency and the offseason. Chicago has already landed PG Lonzo Ball via sign-and-trade while also adding G Alex Caruso on a long-term deal. Throwing on top of that a borderline All-Star in DeRozan to start alongside Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic and Patrick Williams would give the Bulls a very formidable lineup for 2021-22.

DeRozan is a four-time All-Star and is coming off a five-year deal he signed while with the Toronto Raptors. He was then traded to the Spurs as part of the Kawhi Leonard deal. DeRozan was making around $27 million per season over the course of the 5-year deal. He could command a similar salary with the Bulls, though Chicago should be able to make things work with Markkanen and another contract heading to San Antonio.

Perhaps the one issue with adding DeRozan is the team may be lacking in 3-point shooting outside of Ball and LaVine. Williams could take a big jump and Caruso is a decent outside shooter. DeRozan rarely takes outside shots and when he does its at below a 30 percent clip. He has become a better passer and more efficient scorer during his time with the Spurs. If DeRozan can keep those traits, the Bulls will have a few players who can be a primary ball-handler at any time (Ball, LaVine, DeRozan).

Now, I’m not saying the Bulls are going to have a legit title contender if DeRozan is added. However, their championship odds on DraftKings Sportsbook have gone from 100/1 to 80/1 since the opening of free agency on Monday. DeRozan could move the needle up a bit more and if the Bulls perform well in the regular season, could move again. If Chicago goes from 80/1 to say, +5000 or +4000 before or during the season, you’d get plenty of value on a bet now.

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