One NBA writer has proposed that the Dallas Mavericks acquire DeMar DeRozan from the Chicago Bulls in a blockbuster trade.
Ishaan Bhattacharya of Fadeaway World proposed that the Mavericks trade Tim Hardaway Jr., Josh Green and a 2028 first-round pick swap to the Bulls for DeRozan. Dallas would have a new Big 3 of DeRozan, Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic as a result of this trade proposal.
“Offense wins you games but defense wins you championships,” Bhattacharya wrote. “It looks like the Mavs are ready to put their offensive theory to the test by having one of the best-scoring trios outside of Phoenix. DeRozan is a versatile scorer and is arguably the best mid-range scorer in the league. With him and Irving killing it in the mid-range, it gives Doncic more room to attack the rim to create shots for his teammates. He can also start playing more off-ball and use his shooting skills to add more spacing to this lineup.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Dallas Mavericks & Chicago Bulls 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 33-year-old DeRozan will make $28.6 million next season. He becomes an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2024. The Bulls are unlikely to sign DeRozan to an extension despite the future Hall of Famer averaging 26.2 points in 150 games with Chicago while making two All-Star teams.
The Bulls are 80-70 with DeRozan in the lineup. They acquired the guard in the summer of 2021 in a sign-and-trade deal with the San Antonio Spurs. DeRozan has career averages of 21.0 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.0 assists with the Toronto Raptors, Spurs and Bulls.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Dallas Mavericks & Chicago Bulls Updates
If the Mavericks get word that DeRozan is available on the trade market, they should try to acquire him even though he could be a one-year rental given he’ll enter free agency next summer. Irving’s relationship with DeRozan could maybe give Dallas an advantage in a potential free-agency scenario.
Irving and DeRozan have played in multiple All-Star games together. They were also teammates on Team USA.
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