The Chicago Bulls’ decision-makers need to reconsider their belief that the current team can compete effectively in the significantly strengthened Eastern Conference. With a 24-27 record, the Bulls currently sit in ninth place, five games behind a guaranteed playoff spot in the NBA Playoffs.
While the Bulls could potentially secure a playoff berth and make it to the first round, what lies beyond that? It’s likely that a first-round exit is the highest achievement this team can reach. Therefore, the front office must adopt a long-term perspective and make daring moves to enhance the roster.
One prominent suggestion is to trade All-Star guard DeMar DeRozan, who has been a consistent performer for the Bulls, averaging 22.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game this season. As the trade deadline approaches, numerous experts and analysts advocate for the Bulls to explore trading DeRozan to acquire valuable assets in return. The rationale behind this proposal is straightforward: the Bulls require more youthful talent and draft picks to fortify their team’s foundation.
Trading DeRozan is a start
While the Bulls’ executive management is expected to retool the roster, Chicago requires a thorough overhaul. Due to his foot ailment, All-Star Zach LaVine is almost impossible to move, leaving DeRozan as one of the team’s finest trade pieces. Despite being 34 years old, Deebo remains a consistent scorer who is unfazed by big-time moments late in games.
“For me, it’s DeMar DeRozan. That’s who I’d be targeting if I was the Sixers.”
Bobby Marks says Philadelphia should be looking at DeRozan and Andre Drummond 🗣️
(via @ESPNNBA) pic.twitter.com/t7T7vQCEve
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 7, 2024
“The Bulls are in need of a complete rebuild, and it starts by trading DeRozan,” Erik Beaston said on Bleacher Report.
“It is not difficult to see why playoff contenders would be interested in acquiring a player who can come in, contribute offensively, and help them improve their chances of competing for an NBA title.”
Can’t let DeRozan walk away for nothing
Although Deebo’s representatives and the Bulls have been preliminary negotiations about a contract extension, nothing has been agreed. And, with DeRozan slated to become an unrestricted free agency this summer, the Bulls face a difficult dilemma.
On the one hand, keeping DeRozan would provide a seasoned veteran presence and a reliable scoring threat. On the other hand, trading him could result in precious assets that could speed up their rebuilding process. Furthermore, with the Bulls currently out of postseason contention, it may be preferable to focus on developing for the future rather than retaining an aging star.
“The Bulls are not good enough to watch one of the few assets they have walk away without getting anything of value in return for him,” Beaston said. “Trading DeRozan, getting a haul of players and/or picks in return, and using them to re-establish the foundation of the team, is the right move for the Bulls.”
DeMar DeRozan throws it DOWN 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/lW1DtPFvgN
— NBA TV (@NBATV) January 31, 2024
“Otherwise, DeRozan walks, and the team could watch him win a championship with another organization, knowing full well they acted detrimentally to the team and received nothing for him when they could have, further enhancing the difficulty of another rebuild attempt.”
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