Should an NBA team acquire players that fit their system? Or, should they adapt their system to fit the players that they acquire? It’s a difficult question to answer. A team that insists on acquiring players that fit its system is limiting its own talent pool. That’s a problem.
Alternatively, so is bringing in a player that doesn’t complement the rest of your roster. On the other hand, an elite coach can find a way to make talent work.
Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors is an elite coach. He should be able to make anybody work in Golden State’s motion-heavy system. How about DeMar DeRozan of the Chicago Bulls?
The Trade Proposal
Chicago Bulls Receive: G Chris Paul, F Jonathan Kuminga, 2026 First-Round Pick (Swap – GSW)
Golden State Warriors Receive: G/F DeMar DeRozan, G Alex Caruso
Meanwhile, the Warriors likely asked themselves that question when they acquired Paul. Does he fit their system? On a surface level, he might. Paul is an elite floor spacer. He’s also one of the smartest players in the NBA. Shouldn’t he fit right in on the Warriors?
Time will tell. Paul also prefers a slower, prodding pace of play. He’s a maestro in the pick and roll, but the Warriors typically look to create quicker offense.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls & Golden State Warriors Updates
Moreover, there are personal concerns here. Paul and Draymond Green have not historically gotten along. Meanwhile, Paul still seems to see himself as a starting player. Would the Bulls start him?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
Realistically, it’s a moot point. The Bulls don’t do this deal to land Paul. Although, he’ll make a useful veteran mentor for this team. If the Bulls are moving DeRozan, there’s a chance that they’ll be looking to rebuild. Paul could be a positive influence on this locker room.
Still, the point here is to acquire Kuminga. He hasn’t had a lot of opportunities in Golden State, but make no mistake: this is a player with star potential.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls & Golden State Warriors Updates
Kuminga is the type of long, athletic wing that often dominates today’s NBA. If the Bulls see that potential in him, acquiring him along with a pick swap should be worth the price of DeRozan and Caruso. Should the Warriors part with the young forward?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
At the same time, Paul could fit like a glove in Golden State. They’ll have time to find out. After all, they can’t trade Paul yet. The Warriors acquired him too recently. If this deal occurs, it’ll be on or near the deadline.
In that event, we’re assuming that Paul hasn’t worked out for the Warriors. Fair. Can we assume that DeRozan would? We think so.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls & Golden State Warriors Updates
DeRozan is a deceptively good playmaker. His poor floor spacing is the only reason we’d question the fit here. Otherwise, we suspect that Steve Kerr can make this work. As long as his system is flexible.
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