In the event that the Chicago Bulls fail to extend DeMar DeRozan’s contract or if the team fails to secure a winning record in the run-up to the trade deadline, DeRozan may find himself a trade candidate as the 2023–24 season goes on.
DeMar DeRozan, currently in the final year of his contract with the Chicago Bulls, could potentially become a trade target during the 2023-24 NBA season, according to NBA insider Brian Windhorst of ESPN. Windhorst suggests that if DeRozan and the Bulls do not reach an extension agreement, or if Chicago faces challenges similar to the previous season, other teams might express interest in acquiring the small forward.
During an appearance on First Take, Windhorst emphasized the league’s watchfulness regarding DeRozan, stating, “One guy to keep an eye on for everybody — the whole league — this year is DeMar DeRozan. If he doesn’t extend with the Bulls, I think he becomes a trade target as the season goes along.”
Given the Bulls’ absence from the playoffs last season and a sluggish start in the current season, many within the NBA anticipate that Chicago may opt for a rebuild. This speculation includes the possibility of trading key players such as DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Nikola Vucevic, as the current roster is perceived as insufficient for competitive success.
In light of these considerations, various trade scenarios have been proposed for DeRozan, a highly regarded scorer, as the Bulls assess their future roster and potential rebuilding strategies.
The Los Angeles Lakers Bring DeMar DeRozan Home
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: DeMar DeRozan
Chicago Bulls Receive: Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, 2025 second-round pick
DeMar DeRozan engaged in discussions at LeBron James’ residence during the summer of 2021, anticipating a signing with the Los Angeles Lakers. However, plans shifted when the Lakers acquired Russell Westbrook from the Washington Wizards.
Following the Westbrook trade, DeRozan opted for a different path, entering a three-year, $85 million contract with the Chicago Bulls through a sign-and-trade arrangement involving the San Antonio Spurs.
Expressing his initial belief that joining the Lakers was a definite outcome in the summer of 2021, DeRozan, who shares a close bond with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, has deep roots in California and a childhood allegiance to the Lakers.
Should the Bulls make DeRozan available in trade discussions, it is suggested that the Lakers pursue him vigorously. The potential lineup for Los Angeles could feature D’Angelo Russell, DeRozan, Jarred Vanderbilt, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis if the Lakers’ front office can orchestrate a deal to acquire DeRozan from the Bulls.
The New York Knicks Bring DeMar DeRozan To The Big Apple
Trade Details
New York Knicks Receive: DeMar DeRozan
Chicago Bulls Receive: RJ Barrett, Quentin Grimes, 2024 first-round pick
If New York’s front staff could find a way to get DeRozan from Chicago, they could start Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, DeMar DeRozan, Julius Randle, and Mitchell Robinson.DeRozan’s lack of 3-point shooting would make the Knicks’ spacing problems worse.
But DeRozan, Brunson, and Randle are all used to maneuvering in congested areas. Strong drivers and finishers at the hoop characterize all three of these guys. Moreover, Brunson and DeRozan are both superb mid-range shooters.
DeRozan is among the NBA’s top clutch players, and the Knicks need a reliable closer in the fourth quarter. With DeRozan on the team, Brunson wouldn’t have to carry as much of the offensive load, which would help him stay fresher throughout the postseason.
The Memphis Grizzlies Make A Splash Trade For DeMar DeRozan
Trade Details
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: DeMar DeRozan
Chicago Bulls Receive: Steven Adams, Luke Kennard, Ziaire Williams, 2024 first-round pick
This season has been a significant struggle for the Memphis Grizzlies, largely attributed to the absence of Ja Morant due to suspension. The team’s poor performance has not come as a surprise considering Morant’s crucial role.
To revitalize their season before Morant’s return, Memphis should consider a bold move and pursue a trade for DeMar DeRozan. A potential starting lineup could feature Marcus Smart, Desmond Bane, DeRozan, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Bismack Biyombo. Once Morant becomes eligible to play again, this lineup could be adjusted to include him alongside Smart, Bane, DeRozan, and Jackson Jr.
With just one win this season, the Grizzlies appear to be struggling significantly in Morant’s absence, potentially ranking as one of the NBA’s weakest teams. The addition of DeRozan, a prolific scorer, could inject the team with the energy needed to re-enter contention for a spot in the play-in tournament.
The Miami Heat Bring DeMar DeRozan To South Beach
Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: DeMar DeRozan
Chicago Bulls Receive: Tyler Herro, 2024 first-round pick, 2026 first-round pick
The Miami Heat should make an attempt to acquire DeMar DeRozan if they learn that he is out for grabs on the trade market.
Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry are close friends of DeRozan’s, and who wouldn’t want to live in Miami and have the opportunity to win a ring?
Lowry, DeRozan, Butler, Kevin Love, and Bam Adebayo might all start for the Heat. In order to make up for his inability to get Damian Lillard or Jrue Holiday, Hall of Famer Pat Riley traded for DeRozan.
In the NBA Finals during the Butler-Adebayo period, Miami is winless. DeRozan might be the crucial component Butler and Adebayo need to win a championship.
The Philadelphia 76ers Get A Third Star In DeMar DeRozan
Trade Details
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso
Chicago Bulls Receive: Tobias Harris, 2024 first-round pick, 2024 second-round pick, 2026 first-round pick, 2027 second-round pick
The Philadelphia 76ers are exploring the possibility of utilizing assets obtained from the Los Angeles Clippers in the James Harden trade to secure a third star player. DeMar DeRozan is considered an ideal candidate to fill this role alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey in the Sixers lineup.
A potential starting lineup for the Sixers could feature Maxey, De’Anthony Melton, Marcus Morris, DeRozan, and Embiid, offering a versatile combination of skills, including strong shooting and scoring capabilities.
DeRozan’s reputation as one of the NBA’s premier mid-range shooters, coupled with Maxey’s development as a versatile scorer across all three levels and Embiid’s dominance in the paint, could form a formidable Big 3. This trio has the potential to elevate the Sixers to genuine championship contention.
Despite the Sixers’ impressive performance post-Harden trade, winning all their games, there’s a suggestion that Daryl Morey, the team’s president of basketball operations, could further bolster the roster by pursuing DeRozan. While not a mandatory move, acquiring DeRozan with the assets from the Clippers could represent a strategic decision to go all-in for a championship, solidifying a Big 3 comprising Embiid, Maxey, and DeRozan.
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