Chicago GM ‘would love’ if DeMar DeRozan was still a Bull

Sacramento Kings fans are still relishing the signing of six-time All-Star forward DeMar DeRozan, but there is a very different vibe in ‘The Windy City.’

K.C. Johnson, Bulls insider for NBC Sports, shared comments from Chicago’s front office that shed some light on the organization’s thought process following DeRozan’s exit for Sacramento.

If it were up to Bulls general manager Marc Eversley, DeRozan would still be in uniform for Chicago–but the mutual respect helped pave the way to DeRozan inking a deal with the Kings:

“You know, the pivot away from him, I would love if he was still a Chicago Bull right now. But I think doing right by the organization and letting him explore that opportunity to go somewhere else and try to win, we were not positioned well enough to bring him back. And two, trying to help him chase that dream (of winning) as well.”

Chicago Bulls GM Marc Eversley on DeMar DeRozan – July 14, 2024

🚨 Key takeaways from conversations with Bulls management@Kevin_NBCS, @KCJHoop, and @thetonygill dissect key comments from AK & Marc Eversley, on roster changes and the future of Zach LaVine, insights on DeMar DeRozan and more

Listen now: https://t.co/G5vVMb5mMW pic.twitter.com/OTTT3kL8Db

— Bulls Talk (@NBCSBulls) July 15, 2024

More on Kings forward DeMar DeRozan

The Kings and DeRozan came to an agreement on a three-year, $76 million deal (third year is partially guaranteed at $10 million) on July 8th.

DeRozan has been one of the NBA’s top scorers over the past decade, averaging 23.5 points per game since the start of the 2013-14 season. The 6’6 wing is coming off an impressive 2023-24 campaign that saw him average 24.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game on 48/33/85 shooting splits.

The veteran is a gifted scorer in the mid-range, knocking down nearly 50 percent of his jumpers from 10-to-16 feet. DeRozan is also reliable in crunch time, posting top-three finishes in Clutch Player of the Year voting over the past two seasons.

Getting to the foul line is an art form for DeRozan, as the newest member of the Kings ranked second among all NBA leaders in made free throws, third in attempts, and fifth in attempts per game (7.7).

DeRozan is one of 15 NBA players to average 25+ points and 5+ assists per game over the past three seasons–joining potential future teammate De’Aaron Fox–while ranking fifth in Win Shares among the talented group.

Adding DeRozan’s scoring and playmaking abilities to Sacramento’s core is a clear upgrade for a roster that has been in need of a facelift.

When is the next Sacramento Kings off-season date of interest?

The Kings’ Las Vegas Summer League slate continues on Wednesday afternoon with a matchup against the New York Knicks. Action is set to tip off at 12:30 PM PDT and will be broadcast on NBA TV.

Sactown Sports 1140 will have all of your Sacramento Kings coverage for the Las Vegas Summer League, free agency, and much more!

Sacramento Kings 2024 NBA Las Vegas Summer Schedule

NBA 2K25 Summer League | Thomas & Mack Center/Cox Pavilion | Las Vegas, NV

• Wednesday, July 17th – @ New York Knicks – 12:30 PM PDT (NBA TV)
• Thursday, July 18th – vs. Washington Wizards – 4:00 PM PDT (ESPN)
• Final game TBD

NBA Offseason Schedule

• Saturday, July 6th – Free Agents can officially sign contracts
• July 12-22nd – Las Vegas Summer League
• July 27-August 11th – 2024 Olympic Games
• Friday, September 27th – NBA training camps begin

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