The Chicago Bulls were getting things back on track recently as they went on a three-game winning streak, defeating solid NBA teams in the Miami Heat, Atlanta Hawks, and New York Knicks. But, right as they were seemingly turning a corner, they got blown out by the lowly Houston Rockets, but they bounced back with an overtime win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
It has been that kind of season for the Bulls thus far as whenever they take a step forward, they quickly take two steps back. We are going to learn a lot about this team in the next two weeks as they are facing a very daunting schedule.
Already behind the eight-ball at 15-19, seven out of Chicago’s next seven games are against teams with a record currently above .500 and in the playoff hunt. If the Bulls are going to make anything of this season, these are teams that they have to win some games against.
This stretch could determine what direction the team takes ahead of the trade deadline. Chicago is rumored to be a team that could blow things up ahead of the deadline. If that were the path they opt to take, a player such as DeMar DeRozan would almost assuredly be on the move.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat & Boston Celtics Updates
DeRozan is having another excellent season for the Bulls, but his chemistry with Zach LaVine has been troublesome. While the two respect each other, their overlapping skill set has led to some issues on the court as multiple player meetings have been held to try and iron things out.
Eligible for a contract extension this upcoming offseason, Chicago could opt to move on from DeRozan. It could be hard justifying giving him an extension, and value wise, it could be worth it since they can get more for him now than they surrendered to acquire him from the San Antonio Spurs during the 2021 offseason.
If he is going to be traded, the Los Angeles Lakers are the odds-on favorites to acquire him, according to SportsBetting.AG.The Lakers’ odds are set at +200, ahead by a wide margin over everyone else. The next closest teams are the Miami Heat at +400 and Boston Celtics at +500.
Los Angeles has been linked to DeRozan since he landed in Chicago, as he actually believed he was heading home before Rob Pelinka changed course and acquired Russell Westbrook from the Washington Wizards instead.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat & Boston Celtics Updates
There have been rumors of the two being swapped for each other, with Los Angeles attaching some of their coveted draft compensation along with Westbrook. DeRozan would be joined by Nikola Vucevic on the way to the Lakers, providing the team with a sizable rotation upgrade.
