"I just don't like him" - DeMar DeRozan keeps it real on his altercation with Dillon Brooks
DeMar DeRozan was incensed by the altercation between him and Dillon Brooks in March. The Chicago Bulls star recently disclosed the major cause of it. Holding DeRozan by the hand, Brooks, who has made a name for himself as one of the NBA's biggest villains, came at him from behind. The master of the midrange just declared that he has no liking for Brooks.
During a recent appearance on "The 25/10 Show," the player for the Bulls stated that he just doesn't like Dillon Brooks. In addition, DeRozan stated that he disliked the Houston Rockets player coming at him from behind.
"I'm not going to lie, I just don't like him. And for two, don't walk up behind me, that's rule number one, don't walk up on no man behind him when his back's turned," DeRozan said.
Moreover, the six-time All-Star also indicated that what fueled the altercation between Brooks and him was the fact that he doesn’t have any admiration for the Houston Rockets player. For reference, DeMar DeRozan alluded to his relationship with Draymond Green.
DeRozan said that he and Green get into each other’s skin when it comes to the basketball court. However, he is cool with it because they are friends outside the basketball court.
The Chicago Bulls played the Houston Rockets on March 23. During the game, DeMar DeRozan bumped into Jalen Green leaving him in deep pain. Later, Brooks approached DeRozan from behind which led to an escalation between the two.
Later, both DrRozan and Brooks were ejected from the game. Even then, the Bulls' star player had made a similar comment.
Chicago Bulls reportedly offer DeMar DeRozan over $40 million per year
DeMar DeRozan is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason and his free agency is set to change power balance in the NBA. There are a lot of teams interested in DeRozan and make a bid to sign him this offseason. It seems like the Bulls have already thrown their offer in the ring.
According to Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic, the Bulls are offering him a massive salary for their star player. However, Mayberry also said that the team was also being mindful of their future and offered him a limited contract.
"The Bulls would be happy to re-sign DeRozan on a two-year deal. DeRozan’s side obviously would covet more security. The Bulls have a habit of liberally latching player options into contracts so that carrot could come into play with DeRozan’s deal as well,” Mayberry said.
“The dollar amount will be hefty, likely north of $40 million annually, but is less significant to the Bulls’ long-term flexibility. Chicago wants to keep DeRozan but at a reasonable commitment,” he added.
DeMar DeRozan's free agency could play a polarizing factor for the next season. While his presence on a weak team might not make a significant difference, his signing with a good team can substantially increase the team's chances of winning the title.
DeRozan who will turn 35 in August, would want to win a title before he retires. It would be interesting to see if he chooses an affluent salary, or, make a compromise to have a shot at the title.