Surprising contender are 'slight favorites' to land Bulls star DeMar DeRozan

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Apr 1, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan (11) brings the ball up court against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls could lose one of their top players in the very near future.

Six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan is a free agent and it sounds like he could end up finding a new home in the very near future. There has been plenty of speculation and chatter about what his next team will be and the Miami Heat currently are viewed as the "slight favorites" to land his services, according to The Athletic's Jovan Buha.

"The (Los Angeles Lakers) aggressively pursued Klay Thompson, but Thompson turned down their offer of more years and money from the Lakers to join the Dallas Mavericks, according to league sources," Buha said. "They’ve now turned their attention to DeMar DeRozan, though the Miami Heat are currently viewed as slight favorites to land the 15-year veteran and six-time All-Star, according to league sources."

Los Angeles has been the most talked about destination for DeRozan but it would take a lot for the Lakers to land him. Either DeRozan would have to take a massive pay cut or the two sides would have to agree to terms on a sign-and-trade in which the Bulls landed at least a few players from the Lakers.

The Lakers shouldn't be ruled out, but the Heat now are gaining ground as an option for DeRozan. Miami could use a boost this offseason after a rough end to the season. DeRozan could help add another scoring option to the Heat but Miami already struggles as a three-point shooting team and he won't help with that issue. 

It's unclear what will happen with DeRozan but keep an eye on the Heat over the next few weeks as the sweepstakes nears its end.

More NBA: Bulls reportedly could make surprising trade if DeMar DeRozan leaves

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Patrick McAvoy's experiences include local and national sportswriting across baseball, football and basketball. He has provided coverage for the Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, New York Mets, Philadelphia Eagles and Boston Celtics throughout his career.