Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are owning the moment for Boston

DeMar DeRozan and the Chicago Bulls were never close to a contract extension throughout the 23-24 season, sources tell Jamal Collier of ESPN.

DeRozan and Arturas Kanisovas had each maintained interest in continuing the partnership. DeRozan was a leader for the Bulls both on and off the floor and had invested in the development of the team’s young players.

When the Bulls traded Alex Caruso for Josh Giddey before the draft in June, it was a clear sign that they planned to move on. DeRozan eventually was acquired by the Sacramento Kings in a sign-and-trade.