DeMar DeRozan on potential Bulls’ return: ‘This is where I want to be’

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DeMar DeRozan on potential Bulls’ return: ‘This is where I want to be’ originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

Presented by Nationwide Insurance Agent Jeff Vukovich

DETROIT — DeMar DeRozan couldn’t be clearer about his potential future with the Chicago Bulls.

“This is where I want to be,” he said in an interview following Thursday morning’s shootaround at Little Caesars Arena.

The 15-year veteran, having another stellar campaign that likely will again make him a finalist for the Jerry West Clutch Player of the Year award, could become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. The Bulls are finishing another middling season with this three-game trip, headed to the Play-In Tournament for the second straight season.

And yet DeRozan not only hopes a contract extension comes before unrestricted free agency begins on July 1, he reiterated his season-long stance that he doesn’t like to bail on tough situations. In this day and age of player empowerment and stars asking for changes of address to form super teams, DeRozan is unabashedly old school, loyal to the end.

Plus, DeRozan says he’s happy.

“I love ownership. I love everything about the city and the franchise, top to bottom—the front office, the staff we have,” he said. “It’s one of those places that gives me motivation to see everybody get what they deserve and feel what winning is like again.”

DeRozan, who made similar comments during a sitdown earlier this season in Indianapolis, has outplayed the three-year, $81.9 million contract he signed in August 2021 in his sign-and-trade transaction with the San Antonio Spurs. He made two All-Star teams the last two seasons and leads the NBA in minutes played and fourth-quarter scoring this season.

Management and coach Billy Donovan have praised his leadership with the Bulls’ young core and steady personality through trying times.

“You watch me, how hard I play, how hard I want to give success to this organization, this city, that’s my main focal point. I always want to finish a job. The last couple years have been tough with injuries and so many ups and downs. But I always want to weather…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/demar-derozan-potential-bulls-return-180224255.html

Author : NBC Sports Chicago

Publish date : 2024-04-11 18:08:59

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