The Chicago Bulls have gotten off to a disappointing start. They are 1-2 and have struggled in all three games. That's led the team's veteran stars, Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, to look at both the short- and long-term future of their partnership.

"It’s our third year here together. We know how this business is. We all love each other. DeMar is one of my best friends. We talk all the time. But we have to figure out how to make this thing work," LaVine said.

DeRozan echoed LaVine's comments about having to find something that works. The veteran wing said he thinks Chicago will figure things out.

"I think we’re going to get it. It’s frustrating because so much time went by that you think it should be second nature. But I think we at times maybe overcompensate for one another because we want it to click so bad," said DeRozan.

DeMar DeRozan is in the final season of his current contract with the Chicago Bulls and the two sides have yet to find common ground on an extension.

"The Bulls want to bring DeMar DeRozan back, whether that's on an extension or free agency," said Shams Charania. "They've been talking about an extension. I'm told the sides are apart right now on multiple fronts: years, salary. And also DeMar DeRozan wants to see where this Bulls' team goes. They're 0-1 to start the year. They had a players meeting after game 1 of the season."

ESPN's Brian Windhorst previously reported that DeRozan could become a trade candidate as the season progresses. 

The Bulls already have signed Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic to multi-year deals.

Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan told reporters that the team had a players only meeting after their opening night blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The visiting Thunder beat the Bulls 124-104 on Wednesday night.

Donovan said when he walked into the locker room, that the players were in "heated conversation". Donovan said he asked the team if they wanted the coaches to leave while they talked. The players said yes, so the coaches stepped out.

The Bulls coach did emphasize that players "weren't screaming at each other". Players confirmed that, while adding that the conversations were necessary.

“It’s maybe one of the first times since I’ve been here that it was like this and it was really needed," Nikola Vucevic said.

Zach LaVine added, "I don't think we played with enough heart."

The Chicago Bulls have waived Carlik Jones.

Jones appeared in seven games last season with the Bulls. 

DeMar DeRozan is in the final season of his contract with the Chicago Bulls and could become a potential trade candidate if he doesn't agree to an extension. 

"One guy to keep an eye on, for everybody, the whole league, this year is DeMar DeRozan," said Brian Windhorst on First Take. "If he doesn't extend with the Bulls, I think he becomes a trade target as the season goes along."

Windhorst referenced DeRozan as a trade candidate specifically for the Los Angeles Clippers as they also continue to have interest in James Harden.

DeRozan joined the Bulls in 2021 on a three-year, $85 million sign-and-trade and has outperformed that deal. DeRozan turned 34 in August.

The Chicago Bulls waived Derrick Favors and Kahlil Whitney on Wednesday.

Both players are expected to join the Windy City Bulls in the G League.

The Chicago Bulls signed Derrick Favors and Kahlil Whitney on Monday.

Favors last appeared in 39 games for the Thunder during the 2021-22 season. Whitney played for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers last season.

The Bulls also waived Quenton Jackson.

The Chicago Bulls have waived forward Henri Drell and guard Max Heidegger. Both players were signed to non-guaranteed training camp contracts.

Both Drell and Heidegger are expected to play for the Windy City Bulls of the G League for this upcoming season.

The Chicago Bulls have received trade interest on Zach LaVine, but no team has been willing to meet their "large asking price," sources tell Jamal Collier of ESPN.

LaVine is owed $129 million over the next three seasons and holds a $48.9 million player option for 26-27.

LaVine says being the subject of trade speculation has not bothered him.

"My camp isn't putting them out," LaVine said. "I committed to the Bulls when I signed my five-year deal. So until I'm not, I'm committed to the Bulls. I've always brought professionalism and consistent play, and that's what I'll continue to do.

"I love Chicago; I've always wanted to be in a place that wanted me, and Chicago showed me that. But obviously trade rumors are part of the business. Are they wanted? No. But I'm a grown man, I've been traded before. I know how to deal with them. You have to take it that way; it's a business, so I don't get too upset."

DeMar DeRozan and the Chicago Bulls have held preliminary talks on a contract extension, sources tell Jamal Collier of ESPN.

The Bulls initially reached out to DeRozan with interest on a long-term deal. 

The Bulls acquired DeRozan from the San Antonio Spurs on a three-year, $85 million sign-and-trade during the 2021 offseason. DeRozan has outplayed the contract by remaining one of the league's best scoring wings. If DeRozan doesn't sign an extension, he will become a free agent in 2024.