Bulls’ DeMar DeRozan Reflects on Dillon Brooks Altercation: ‘I Just Don’t Like Him’

Jack MurrayJune 7, 2024

Tim Warner/Getty Images

It’s safe to say DeMar DeRozan isn’t going to be seen hanging out with Dillon Brooks any time soon.

During an appearance on the 25/10 Show podcast, DeRozan spoke about his altercation with Brooks during the 2023-24 season and admitted that he was not very fond of the Houston Rockets forward.

“I’m not going to lie, I just don’t like him,” DeRozan said. “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 continued by alluding to his on-court rivalry with Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, with a distinction being made between the duos chirping on the court and respect and admiration for each other on the court. This differs from his relationship with Brooks.

This comes as DeRozan could hit unrestricted free agency this offseason as his contract with the Chicago Bulls is up. He averaged 24 points, 5.3 assists and 4.3 rebounds in 79 games for the Bulls and should be one of the premier free agents available.

While he has never been linked to Houston, the Rockets are notably under the first apron of the salary cap and have more room to work with than some other teams. The franchise also went 41-41 in 2024 and barely missed out on the play-in tournament. This was the Rockets’ best season since 2019-20, and some lottery luck gave the franchise the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Houston could be building something with Brooks, Fred VanVleet, Jalen Green and others, but bringing in DeRozan seems like an unlikely possibility.