Despite reports of southern California native DeMar DeRozan meeting the Clippers later today, the San Antonio Spurs All-Star is headed to Chicago on a three-year, $85 million sign and trade with the Bulls, according to multiple sources.
The Bulls will send Thaddeus Young, Al-Farouq Aminu, a future first-round pick, and two second-round picks.
DeMar DeRozan is finalizing a three-year, $85 million-plus deal to join the Chicago Bulls, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 3, 2021
Rumors had DeRozan headed home to possibly join the Lakers or the Clippers, but the Clips didn’t have the cap space to sign DeRozan, and the Lakers are signing players at the minimum after breaking the bank to acquire Russell Westbrook.
DeRozan, 31, joins new additions Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso on a Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic Bulls’ team that suddenly looks playoff-bound.
A 12-year veteran, DeRozan isn’t known for his 3-point prowess, shooting just 25.7 percent, but he can find the open man, doling out an average 6.9 assists last season, and has a good mid-range game averaging 21.6 points on 49.5 percent shooting last season.
DeRozan spent three seasons in San Antonio after being traded by the Toronto Raptors, who drafted him ninth out of the University of Southern California in the 2009 draft.
The Bulls still have a reportedly $19.5 million to spend on additional players.
DeRozan’s move capped off another dramatic day of dealing that saw Portland Trail Blazer Carmelo Anthony team up with longtime friend LeBron James on the Los Angeles Lakers.
Anthony agreed to a one-year, NBA free-agency contract, Anthony’s manager, Bay Frazier, told ESPN’s, Adrian Wojnarowski.
An 18-year veteran, Anthony flourished coming off the bench for Portland, moving to the No. 10 spot on the NBA’s all-time scoring list last season.
Anthony brings scoring but more importantly, he brings the experience and dependability James is looking for.
Free Agency continues until Friday, August 6, at 12:01 a.m.