Toronto Raptors Receive: G/F DeMar DeRozan, 2023 First-Round Pick (POR), 2026 FIrst-Round Pick (Swap – CHI), 2027 First-Round Pick (CHI)

Chicago Bulls Receive: F/C Pascal Siakam

DeMar DeRozan is coming off of a career season. With that in mind, why are the Toronto Raptors getting so much draft capital to reunite with their former franchise hero?

It’s simple: age. DeRozan is 32, and Siakam is 28. That’s the difference between an in-prime star and one who could decline at any moment.

The Chicago Bulls are likely only interested in this swap if they’re retaining Zach LaVine. He’s about to hit unrestricted free agency. If he bolts, they’re more likely to be on the opposite end of a deal of this nature. They’ll be rebuilding, so they’re going to need draft capital.

Let’s assume he stays. Siakam does more for him as a co-star than DeRozan ever could. In particular, he’s a much stronger defensive player. For a team starting Nikola Vucevic at the 5, that counts for a lot.

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Of course, DeRozan’s reunion with the Raptors is a nice story too. If he can build on that career year, who knows? It might be more than that.