Clippers were going to DeRozan’s home …
Here’s an interesting bit from Yahoo’s Chris Haynes (via Posted Up with Chris Haynes podcast) on how close the Clippers came to landing DeMar DeRozan’s agent before the Bulls swooped in last minute:
“The Clippers brass were driving, they were on their way to DeMar’s house. Things got a little bit more interesting with the Bulls, and DeMar DeRozan’s agent, Aaron Goodwin, called, it looked like it was going to get done. It looked like the deal was going to get done with Chicago. He called the Clippers out of courtesy and was like, ‘You know what, let’s not waste anybody’s time. Out of respect for you guys, let’s cancel this meeting. He’s going to go elsewhere.'”
The Clippers, for what it’s worth, ad little cap space to sign him to a big deal. According to Marc Spears of The Undefeated a few days ago, the Bulls were able to convince DeRozan to join because GM Marc Eversley flew to Los Angeles to meet with DeRozan. Eversley was the assistant GM of the Raptors when DeRozan played in Toronto, and the two have a longstanding relationship.
In the end, the San Antonio Spurs finalized a deal to send DeRozan to Chicago for Thad Young, a future first-round pick and two second-round picks. The 31-year-old DeRozan, who averaged 21.6 points, seven assists and 4.2 rebounds last season, will then sign a three-year, $85 million-plus deal with the Bulls.