DeMar DeRozan wants Bulls return, but with chance to 'make a run' - ESPN

MIAMI — While DeMar DeRozan reiterated a desire to remain in Chicago as the Bulls' season concluded Friday night, he also emphasized just how much he wants to win, particularly as his career winds down.

In the aftermath of the Bulls' 112-91 loss to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament — the second consecutive season Chicago has been eliminated by Miami for the No.8 seed — DeRozan stated his preference to re-sign with the organization, but expressed his frustration with losing in the same spot as a year ago.

«My stance on wanting to be here is still the same, but I just want to win,» said DeRozan, who will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. «Just have the opportunity to win and not [have] to go home to see the first round of the playoffs, second round of the playoffs. It's frustrating.»

DeRozan scored 22 points in 41 minutes Friday night, but the Bulls were dominated by the Heat, who were missing star Jimmy Butler (sprained MCL). The rest of the Bulls starters had 45 points on 17-of-56 shooting (30%).

That left DeRozan on the bench with the game out of reach in the closing seconds of the fourth quarter, looking up at the scoreboard.

«I hate losing, I hate missing opportunities,» DeRozan said. «It really hits after the season. You look up, last seconds run off, and you don't have another game. Next time I play a game will be my 16th season. You realize the window closes for you personally. I'm not trying to play 25 years or nothing like that.»

Chicago has missed the playoffs in six of the past seven seasons.

Asked what he wants to see from the Bulls as he makes his free agency decision, DeRozan replied, «A team that gives us a chance to make a run.»

DeRozan, who turns 35 in August, joined the