The Chicago Bulls are not currently discussing an extension with DeMar DeRozan, according to Chris Haynes of TNT and Bleacher Report.
“At this point right now, Chicago and DeRozan can work out an extension,” Haynes said Wednesday on the #thisleague UNCUT podcast with NBA insider Marc Stein. “I’m told there’s no talks at this moment on the extension. The Bulls are trying to find a spot for Zach LaVine.”
LaVine is currently signed for two more seasons with a player option through 2027, while DeRozan is set to enter unrestricted free agency on June 30.
“I’m not saying that the Bulls are not going to take care of DeMar, I’m just saying that the order in which they are doing so leads to a lot of speculation,” Haynes said.
Stein noted that he is “not hearing much interest” on a potential trade for LaVine, who is still owed around $138 million over the next three seasons if he takes his 2026-27 option.
The Philadelphia 76ers were reportedly initially interested in pursuing LaVine, but are less interested now that former Bulls guard Alex Caruso is not longer available as a package deal, per HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.
Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer reported Friday that the Sacramento Kings could be interested in trading for LaVine as they seek trade opportunities for Harrison Barnes and Kevin Huerter,
The Athletic’s Anthony Slater and Sam Amick similarly reported Monday that the Kings had “some level of interest” in LaVine, but would need to receive incentives in order to take on his contract.
If the Bulls plan on figuring out a trade destination for LaVine before negotiating with DeRozan, the team will risk losing the veteran player in free agency.
NBC Sports Chicago’s KC Johnson reported in April that the Bulls offered DeRozan a two-year deal in the neighborhood of $80 million at the end of the season. The 15-season veteran could decide to see if he can earn on the open market as he heads into his age-35 season.
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