Chicago Bulls star DeMar DeRozan could return to his home city this summer.
The 34-year-old completed the final season of a three-year, $85 million deal signed with the Bulls in 2021.
With contract extension talks with the Bulls not gaining ground, DeRozan is reportedly linked to a move to the Los Angeles Clippers in free agency if Clippers star forward Paul George signs with another team, according to Bulls insider KC Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago.
George has a $48.7 million player option with the Clippers for the 2024-25 season, but he might opt out of it as he is seeking a maximum contract, which the Clippers are reportedly unwilling to offer.
If DeRozan moves to the Clippers, the team will have four former All-Star players born in Los Angeles, including Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook.
Additionally, George is from the northern Los Angeles County city of Palmdale.
Bulls prioritizing another major roster move more than DeRozan
Meanwhile, contract extension talks between DeRozan and the Bulls have not been fruitful, according to league insiders Chris B. Haynes and Marc Stein.
Stein added that the Bulls prioritize finding a trade to ship out Zach LaVine over negotiations with DeRozan.
The six-time NBA All-Star will likely enter free agency on Sunday, June 30, at 6 PM, when the open market officially opens.
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