A contending NBA team needs playmaking. That’s obvious. Typically, they need a primary playmaker. How much playmaking do they need after that?
It’s hard to say. For some time, it felt like the league was shifting toward heliocentric offense. James Harden and Russell Westbrook were defining that trend during their athletic primes. Meanwhile, Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks was primed to take the mantle. With that said, it seems the Mavericks had other plans for him.
They went out and got a secondary playmaker. Kyrie Irving joins Doncic to form one of the most talented duos in the NBA. Could the Mavericks land one more playmaker? If so, could it be DeMar DeRozan of the Chicago Bulls?
The Trade Proposal
Chicago Bulls Receive: G/F Tim Hardaway Jr., F/C Maxi Kleber, G Jaden Hardy, 2027 First-Round Pick (DAL)
Dallas Mavericks Receive: G/F DeMar DeRozan
Meanwhile, different playmakers have different styles. Realistically, it’s their ball dominance that will determine whether they’re viable together or not. Two players that need the ball to succeed can sometimes get in each other’s way.
That’s what makes Doncic and Irving such an intriguing duo. Irving is a lethal off-ball player. He can complement Doncic when he’s orchestrating the offense. In fact, we’ve seen Irving in this capacity. He was a dynamic second option behind LeBron James on the Cleveland Cavaliers.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls & Dallas Mavericks Updates
Does DeRozan fit that description? Not so much. This is a player who needs the ball to be most effective. His fit alongside Doncic is not obvious. Should the Mavericks acquire him anyway?
Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
There is something to be said for purely stockpiling talent. Doncic and DeRozan may not be peanut butter and jam. Have you ever tried bacon in ice cream? Laugh if you must, but it’s actually pretty good.
This could work in a number of different ways. DeRozan could pilot the second unit. Even if he starts, Dallas could stagger DeRozan and Doncic as often as possible. In this way, the Mavericks can keep an elite offensive player on the floor at all times – and most times, they’ll have two.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls & Dallas Mavericks Updates
Still, this could even work while DeRozan and Doncic share the floor. It’ll take some creative coaching, and perhaps for Doncic to expand his off-ball chops. That all feels totally realistic. This deal makes Dallas a more talented team – if it requires some adjustments, it should still pay off for them in the end. Should the Bulls send them as dynamic of a playmaker as DeRozan?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
Well, DeRozan and Zach LaVine haven’t developed much chemistry. That largely accounts for the Bulls’ disappointing performance in 2022-23. Now, this team is as strong of a candidate to make major changes as any in the NBA.
This would be a good change. Above all else, the Bulls are valuing an unprotected first-round pick. For an aging player who doesn’t space the floor, that’s a valuable asset. No matter what the Bulls are planning on doing next, having this pick will help them achieve their goals.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls & Dallas Mavericks Updates
At the same time, Hardy is a player with real star potential. This is an extremely skilled guard who can create his own shots in half-court sets. If he hits his ceiling, the Bulls may be deciding which playmaker they want to pair him with before they know it.
Want the latest in NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
