When we say the Milwaukee Bucks sent shockwaves across the league when they traded for Damian Lillard, we meant it. Just ask a team such as the Chicago Bulls, who are currently caught between a rock and a hard place.
It seems like Chicago’s front office is intent on entering the new season with the same core, but this could all change if they start falling in the standings early in the campaign.
Milwaukee Bucks Rival Set to Trade Away Superstar?
According to Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz, DeMar DeRozan is a “perfect trade candidate” for the Bulls. They gave up a whole lot when they traded for him a couple of years ago, and let’s just say that along with his co-stars in Chicago, DeRozan just hasn’t provided much return on the team’s substantial investment on him.
The biggest consideration here is the 34-year-old’s expiring deal. Unless the Bulls sign him to a new contract (reports suggest that they have already entered preliminary talks), then they could see DeRozan walk away for nothing next summer.
As such, now would be the ideal time to try and get some value in exchange for the three-time All-NBA guard/forward.
“Moving DeRozan to a championship contender is the best bath forward for both parties. He’s one of the easiest stars to match salaries with at $28.6 million in expiring money this season, and the Bulls could recoup the first-round pick (and then some) they still owe to the San Antonio Spurs (top-10 protected in 2025),” Swartz wrote.
The harsh reality for the Bulls is unless their players got significantly better this offseason — which is unlikely — they are going to be entering the new campaign with the same group that won just 40 games last term. Barring any unforeseen surprises, Chicago just doesn’t seem equipped to compete against the likes of the Bucks and the Boston Celtics, among others, in the East.
Bulls Cash In on DeMar DeRozan
The good news for Chicago is that they will still have Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic on their roster if they decide to part ways with DeRozan. They could swap DeMar for another star, thereby providing their roster with a much-needed jolt, and perhaps even a real path toward a deep playoff run.
“The Bulls don’t even necessarily need to rebuild after trading DeRozan, but moving him now would ensure he won’t leave as an unrestricted free agent next summer and could help bring in some future draft picks or young talent. With Ball’s future uncertain, swapping DeRozan for a new starting point guard could help elevate the rest of the roster as well,” Swartz wrote.
The Los Angeles Lakers, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Los Angeles Clippers are reportedly three teams to keep an eye on if DeRozan suddenly finds himself on the trade block.
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