Bulls’ DeMar DeRozan Reveals Why He Decided To Sign With Chicago
Earlier this month, four-time NBA All-Star DeMar DeRozan elected to sign a three-year deal worth around $85 million to join the Chicago Bulls. The deal would later turn into a sign and trade, which Shams Charania of The Athletic reported, involving the San Antonio Spurs. In exchange for DeRozan’s services, the Bulls sent Thad Young, a future first-round pick and two future second-round picks.
“With Vooch being there, Zach, the organization, the city, overall the whole spectrum of the team and the organization for me,” DeRozan said. “Obviously, once Lonzo signed, that made it even more appealing.
“You could see what they were working toward, and it was something I wanted to be a part of. It wasn’t too much of a pitch that they had to make after that.”
According to ESPN’s Marc J Spears, what closed the deal for the Bulls is the two-hour in-person conversation between DeRozan and Bulls’ GM Marc Eversley, who had a prior relationship with DeMar in Toronto.
There were rumors about him trying to Miami to join his former backcourt mate in Kyle Lowry, but that never materialized. Nevertheless, the Bulls additions of DeRozan, Lonzo Ball, and Alex Caruso are expected to make the playoffs. Especially with All-Stars Nikola Vucevic and Zach LaVine already on the roster.
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
