Chicago, Illinois – DeMar DeRozan, the veteran player who has been a key member of the Chicago Bulls for the past three years, will not be returning to the team this fall. Instead, DeRozan is set to join the Sacramento Kings in a sign-and-trade deal, marking the end of his tenure with the Bulls, according to a report by ESPN.

The move signifies a significant step in the Bulls’ rebuilding process, as the team looks to transition its roster and focus on developing younger talent. As part of the trade, the Bulls will acquire fourth-year shooting guard Chris Duarte, along with two second-round picks and cash considerations from the Kings. Duarte, known for his three-point shooting ability, will provide additional depth to the Bulls’ lineup.

Facilitating the trade was the San Antonio Spurs, DeRozan’s former team, who orchestrated a three-way deal that included sending Harrison Barnes to the Kings. This maneuver allowed the Kings to make room under the salary cap to accommodate DeRozan’s new contract, valued at over $70 million for three years.

During his time with the Bulls, DeRozan emerged as a vital part of the team’s core trio alongside Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic. His impact was felt on and off the court, earning back-to-back All-Star selections in 2022 and 2023. Despite a slight dip in scoring last season, DeRozan maintained impressive averages of 25.5 points and 5.1 assists over his three-year stint with the Bulls.

With DeRozan’s departure, the Bulls will look to younger leaders like Coby White to step up and fill the void left by the veteran player. DeRozan’s presence in the locker room and his mentorship of younger players have been instrumental in shaping the team’s identity and success over the past few seasons.

As the Bulls navigate this transition period, they aim to build on the foundation laid by DeRozan and continue their pursuit of success in the upcoming season. The changes in the roster reflect a strategic approach to team building and a commitment to fostering a competitive and cohesive unit moving forward.