Day: June 25, 2024

The Chicago Bulls would like to resolve a possible trade of Zach LaVine before engaging on contract talks with DeMar DeRozan, according to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report. DeRozan and the Bulls have a window to discuss a new contract before open free agency begins, but there has been little dialogue.

Haynes also reports while speaking on “thisleague UNCUT” that there are possible LaVine deals available to the Bulls, but they may not yet be to their liking where it would be considered a win for the franchise.

K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago also reports that “as of late last week, little momentum existed for a new deal” between DeRozan and the Bulls.

DeRozan joined the Bulls in 2021 on a three-year, $85 million sign-and-trade from the San Antonio Spurs. DeRozan also received interest that offseason from the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat and Detroit Pistons.

DeRozan is represented by Aaron Goodwin.

The New York Knicks made an offer of draft capital to the Chicago Bulls for Alex Caruso before they instead traded him to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Josh Giddey. The Sacramento Kings also made an offer to the Bulls for Caruso built around the 13th overall pick in this week’s draft.

Caruso is entering the final season of his current contract.

Chicago clearly preferred the upside of Giddey over draft capital in return for Caruso. Giddey is eligible for a contract extension this offseason and preferred a trade where he could have a bigger role as opposed to coming off the bench with the Thunder.

Paul George continues to seek a four-year deal whether from the Los Angeles Clippers or another team he can join as a free agent or via an opt-in-and-trade, sources tell Marc Stein. George turned 34 in May.

The Clippers previously signed Kawhi Leonard to a three-year, $152 million extension, which indicated the preference of the franchise.

Most around the league believe the preference of George is to remain with the Clippers. George is from the Los Angeles area and was traded to the Clippers from the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2019.

George is represented by Aaron Mintz.