The 2021 NBA free agency market has had no shortage of blockbuster deals. There have been some absolute hits, but at the same time, we can't help but criticize a number of rather contentious free agency signings from across the league.
Chris Paul's $120 million deal with the Phoenix Suns, Jarrett Allen's $100 million extension with the Cavs, the New York Knicks shelling out $78 million for Evan Fournier, and Devonte' Graham's $47 million payday with the New Orleans Pelicans are a handful of signings that come to mind. However, we have to say that all these pale in comparison to the Chicago Bulls' decision to splash the cash on DeMar DeRozan. This came out to the tune of a whopping $85 million for three years, and here's why we believe the Bulls might end up regretting this decision.
Questionable Fit
DeMar DeRozan is a four-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA. He's coming off a three-year stint with the San Antonio Spurs wherein he averaged 21.6 points per game on 50.7 percent shooting to go along with 5.3 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game. The 6-foot-6 swingman has an elite mid-range game and there's no denying that he's a bona fide star in the league.
Now the bad part. DeRozan is, at best, a mediocre defender. The fact that he's now going to be playing alongside Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic will only further highlight DeRozan's shortcomings on the defensive end, as this new Big 3 will likely be in contention for being the least formidable defensive trio in the league this coming season.
All three players can score the basketball, though, and this is a good thing for the Bulls. Right? Well, this might be another issue for Chicago considering how much DeRozan, LaVine, and Vucevic want the ball in their hands on offense. Let's not forget that they also brought in a new playmaker in Lonzo Ball via free agency, and he too will require significant touches of the rock.
Money Matters in Free Agency
DeMar DeRozan is an absolute stud. There's no denying that. However, on top of the issues presented above with regards to his potential fit with the Bulls, you also have to ask if he's worth the (almost) $30 million per year Chicago will be paying him. DeRozan just turned 32, and by Year 3 of his new deal, he's going to be 35. One could also argue that DeRozan has been on a decline over the past few seasons as he enters the twilight years of his career. The Bulls have committed a huge chunk of their salary cap to DeRozan for the next three years, so this signing has to work. What if it doesn't, though?
For a bit of context, let's take into consideration some other noteworthy 2021 NBA Free Agency deals. The Boston Celtics signed Dennis Schroder for $5.9 million (one-year deal), the Knicks snagged Kemba Walker for around $9 million per year, and the Nets locked up Patty Mills for $12.1 million for two years. All three do not carry DeRozan's star power but in terms of value for money, it feels like the Bulls got the short end of the stick here.
Finally, let's not forget that prior to signing a big-money deal with Chicago in free agency, there was talk of DeRozan being open to taking a significant pay cut in order to join a contender. He was even linked to both the Lakers and the Clippers, where he would have probably earned less than $10 million per year. Chicago decided to pay him roughly three times that amount.
What About Zach?
Do the Bulls still consider Zach LaVine to be their cornerstone superstar of the future? Or are they ready to pull the plug on this experiment? Whatever the case may be, Chicago will need to make a decision at the end of this coming season (or sooner?) with LaVine's four-year deal expiring at the end of the 2021-22 campaign. After this year, the 26-year-old will have just one more season remaining on his current deal, and if the Bulls intend to move forward with LaVine at the helm, then they will need to extend his deal sooner rather than later.
Currently, LaVine's current contract is at $19.5 million per season. Has he done enough to warrant a max extension in Chicago? Probably. Will the Bulls' decision to sign DeRozan on a massive deal impact their ability to table a big-money offer for LaVine? Absolutely. The DeRozan signing has virtually eliminated the possibility of a Zach LaVine extension this summer, which will likely lead to the Bulls scrambling to renew his contract next summer. By that time LaVine will have only one year left on his deal before he enters free agency, which should give him more leverage on the negotiating table.
All things considered, will the DeMar DeRozan signing be worth the risk for Chicago? Only time will tell.
Follow Us
Subscribe