NBA Free Agency: 3 best landing spots for DeMar DeRozan

Let’s take a look at why DeMar DeRozan can be an option for the Chicago Bulls

If DeMar DeRozan can’t agree to a deal with the Knicks, he should look at his third and final option: the Chicago Bulls. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN stated on May 7th that Chicago would pursue Ball and Dennis Schroder in free agency as they want to add a playmaking guard to the roster. DeRozan can be a fallback option if the team strikes out on the first two options.

The Chicago Bulls were 15th in pick and roll possessions, averaging 20 per game. They shot 46.5 percent from the field on these pick-and-roll possessions on 15.6 shots per game, creating 18.3 points. The Bulls will be an ideal fit for DeRozan if they clear one particular roadblock.

The Bulls gave most of the pick and roll possessions to their star guard, Zach LaVine, as he averaged 10.8 per game. LaVine being a primary ball-handler would force DeRozan to be off the ball.

Unfortunately, he struggles off the ball as he has converted 33.3 percent of his catch and shoots since 2013 on 1.2 attempts. Catch and shoots have accounted for 70.6 percent of his threes, as he has shot 29.7 percent from behind the arc on 1.7 attempts.

Consequently, defenders will leave DeMar DeRozan if he is off the ball to shift the focus to LaVine. If DeRozan is off the ball, it will increase the likelihood that LaVine will have to take a contested shot.

Therefore, Chicago would be better off forcing LaVine off the ball as he has made 41.9 percent of his catch and shoots on 2.3 attempts per game. Catch and shoots have accounted for 44 percent of his total attempts, as he has shot 38.5 percent from behind the arc on 5.3 attempts per game.

If the Bulls can put Zach LaVine off the ball, DeRozan would be an ideal fit for them as he can be the primary pick and roll ball handler, and they could open enough cap space to sign him. The Bulls can open up between $24 million to $35 million in cap space this offseason, which is more than enough to sign DeRozan.

In conclusion, DeMar DeRozan needs to sign with a team that will allow him to be a pick and roll ball handler.