One NBA writer is proposing that the Los Angeles Clippers acquire DeMar DeRozan from the Chicago Bulls in a blockbuster trade.
Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade between the Bulls and Clippers, who were linked to DeRozan in the summer of 2021 when the All-Star guard was an unrestricted free agent. The Clippers would acquire DeMar DeRozan in exchange for Norman Powell, Robert Covington, Amir Coffey and a 2028 first-round pick (protected 1-4).
DeRozan was born and raised in California. He has a rapport with Clippers stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George and head coach Tyronn Lue. The six-time All-Star nearly joined the Clippers in 2021 before ultimately signing with the Bulls.
Hughes believes DeRozan would fit in well with the Clippers, who need a playmaker alongside Leonard and George.
“DeRozan has averaged over 5.0 assists per game in five of his last six seasons (a streak interrupted by a 4.9-per-game figure in 2021-22), and his ability to pull in help defenders as he gets into his mid-range bag serves the same purpose as a standard pick-and-roll point guard,” Hughes wrote. “DeRozan would get highly exploitable matchups with teams using their toughest defenders on George and Leonard, and he could easily operate as a facilitator or overpowering on-on-one scorer.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
DeRozan averaged 24.5 points, 4.6 rebounds and 5.1 assists for the Bulls last season while shooting 50.4% from the field, 32.4% from beyond the arc and 87.2% from the free-throw line. The USC product is one of the top scorers and mid-range shooters in the NBA.
The Clippers lost to the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the 2023 playoffs. Meanwhile, the Bulls didn’t make the 2023 postseason. There are some people around the NBA who believe Chicago could rebuild this summer.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
If that’s the case, the Clippers should try to acquire DeRozan, who has career averages of 21.0 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.0 assists with the Toronto Raptors, San Antonio Spurs and Bulls.
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