Lakers have exploratory interest in adding DeMar DeRozan

If DeMar DeRozan leaves, there’s quietly a growing belief around the league that Chicago could look to move center Nikola Vucevic and lean further into a youth movement and roster retooling, league sources told HoopsHype. -via HoopsHype / July 2, 2024

The Lakers’ interest is genuine, and the Bulls are open to sign-and-trade possibilities, sources confirmed. But any sign-and-trade would have be for at least three years and at less annual salary than what DeMar DeRozan wants. Thus, a potential scenario is DeRozan playing next season—possibly with the Lakers—on the $12.8 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception and then re-entering unrestricted free agency next offseason. -via NBC Sports Chicago / July 2, 2024

This is why the Caruso-for-Giddey trade offered a second clue. DeRozan consistently praised Caruso, almost projecting a sense of awe when discussing his team-first mindset and defensive prowess. DeRozan also was close with assistant coach Maurice Cheeks, whom the New York Knicks hired, and some behind-the-scenes staffers who have quietly been let go. From the Bulls’ perspective, there’s no doubt DeRozan outperformed his three-year, $81.9 million deal while making two All-Star appearances in Chicago. It’s why internal discussions during the season initially centered on offering DeRozan a two-year deal at a high annual salary, perhaps nearing $40 million. -via NBC Sports Chicago / July 2, 2024