One of the biggest moves made this offseason was the Chicago Bulls trading DeMar DeRozan to the Sacramento Kings. This prompted Patrick Williams, a forward who was recently bestowed with a $90 million extension by the Bulls’ front office, to reveal how he truly felt about the trade.
The Kings recently acquired DeRozan in a three-team sign-and-trade deal. Sacramento signed the All-Star to a three-year, $74 million contract, adding him to a core that includes De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, and Keegan Murray.
In the deal, the San Antonio Spurs will receive Harrison Barnes from the Kings, while the Chicago Bulls will get Chris Duarte and two second-round picks from the Kings.
DeRozan, a six-time All-Star, averaged 24 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists for the Bulls last season. He finished second in Clutch Player of the Year voting behind All-Star point guard Stephen Curry. The Kings project DeRozan’s leadership and late-game heroics can help them make a deep playoff push.
The Spurs bring in Barnes to pair with rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama and free agent acquisition Chris Paul. Meanwhile, the Bulls continue their youth movement, cutting ties with DeRozan and acquiring the promising 21-year-old Duarte.
Chicago Bulls Forward Patrick Williams Gets Real About DeMar DeRozan’s Departure
After DeRozan’s departure, several reactions were made by different personalities. Among those who gave their take was his teammate, Patrick Williams, as seen in a tweet by K.C. Johnson on X.
Patrick Williams on DeMar DeRozan leaving Bulls: “That’s a relationship that goes beyond basketball,” Johnson tweeted.
DeRozan has played a total of 15 seasons in the NBA for the Bulls, Toronto Raptors, and San Antonio Spurs. During that period, he averaged 21.2 points on 47 percent shooting from the field, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game.
The Kings’ gain was definitely the Bulls’ loss as DeRozan is poised to play with Fox and Sabonis next season. In turn, Williams will have to play better soon to help Chicago’s succeed in its rebuilding phase.
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