One NBA writer is proposing that the Miami Heat acquire DeMar DeRozan from the Chicago Bulls in a blockbuster trade. Lee Tran of Fadeaway World proposed that the Heat trade Kyle Lowry, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Nikola Jovic to the Bulls for DeRozan, who is close friends with Miami superstar Jimmy Butler.
“Even though DeRozan has shown that he can’t be the No. 1 option on a championship team, he could be perfect next to Butler as a No. 2 option on the Heat,” Tran wrote. “The Heat wouldn’t have to give up many assets to make this deal either, and perhaps this is better than pursuing a star like Damian Lillard who would require them to give up a lot of draft compensation.”
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 NBA All-Star teams.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Miami Heat & Chicago Bulls Updates
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 NBA averages of 21.0 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.0 assists with the Toronto Raptors, Spurs and Bulls.
If the Heat get word that DeRozan is available on the NBA 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. Butler’s relationship with DeRozan could maybe give Miami an advantage in a potential free-agency scenario.
Butler and DeRozan have played in multiple All-Star games together. They were also teammates on Team USA.
Right now, the Heat are trying to trade for Damian Lillard, who has requested a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers and only wants to play in Miami. However, the Blazers and Heat haven’t made any progress on a trade.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Miami Heat & Chicago Bulls Updates
If Portland and Miami can’t come to terms on a Lillard trade, perhaps the Heat should try to acquire DeRozan. A Big 3 of Butler, DeRozan and Bam Adebayo could conceivably be dangerous enough to help Miami win the championship next season.
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