In today’s NBA, star players have more power than ever before. If they want to, they can ramp up the pressure on their team. Star players typically want championships. If they don’t think their current team can deliver, they could seek a new team.
Recently, Giannis Antetokoumnpo ramped up the pressure on his Milwaukee Bucks. The superstar declared that if he didn’t think all of the Bucks were invested in winning a title, he’d leave the team in free agency. This declaration has invited widespread speculation. Antetokoumnpo is one of the very best players in the NBA.
The Bucks have only made minor roster moves in the last few years. Fair enough. These are recent NBA champions – the Bucks know they’ve got a formula that works. Still, now that there’s added pressure, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Bucks make more major changes soon. Could they start by acquiring DeMar DeRozan of the Chicago Bulls?
The Trade Proposal
Chicago Bulls Receive: F/C Bobby Portis, G/F Grayson Allen, G/F MarJon Beauchamp, 2028 First-Round Pick (MIL)
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: G/F DeMar DeRozan
With that said, the term “star player” is a bit nebulous. Some players are obviously stars. Antetokoumnpo is a perfect example. Go find a list ranking the best players in the NBA. If Antetokoumnpo isn’t in the top 2, you’ve found a hot take.
Is DeRozan a star? That’s a different matter. He’s a star in name. DeRozan is wildly entertaining to watch. He’s one of the most skilled players in basketball. Does he impact the game on a star level? Is DeRozan the type of player that you can build a team around?
NBA NEWS, TRADES & RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls & Milwaukee Bucks Updates
If the Bulls’ performance in recent years is any indication, he probably isn’t. They had a wildly disappointing 2022-23 season. DeRozan was the 1B to Zach LaVine’s 1A, and the Bulls missed the playoffs by a long shot. Now, plenty of fans are expecting this team to make major changes. Should the Bulls send DeRozan to the Bucks?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
If the Bulls make DeRozan available, they shouldn’t expect a superstar’s return. As talented as he is, DeRozan is a flawed, aging player on an expiring contract. He’s a rental that can’t space the floor and doesn’t offer much on defense. With that context in mind, this is a fair return.
If the Bulls believe in Beauchamp’s potential, that becomes especially true. We certainly do. Beauchamp looks like exactly the type of two-way wing that dominates the NBA these days. He’s got the tools to develop into an elite defensive playmaker. If the Bulls can add him, it will bode well for their future.
NBA NEWS, TRADES & RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls & Milwaukee Bucks Updates
Yet, the Bulls may mostly be intrigued by an unprotected first-round pick here. This team may rebuild, and they may retool around LaVine. it doesn’t matter. This is an asset that can improve their future or one that the Bulls could use to make a deal within the next couple of years. Should the Bucks fork that asset over?
Why The Milwaukee Bucks Do The Deal
This is a bold move for the Bucks. We realize that. Antetokoumnpo’s only weakness is floor spacing. Why would the Bucks acquire another star player who doesn’t consistently knock down threes?
Mostly, just to stockpile talent. That’s what this is about. DeRozan has his warts, but he’s a dynamic shot-creator and playmaker who can take some defensive pressure off of Antetokoumnpo. With some creative coaching, the Bucks can make this work. Besides, they’ve got the spacing to do it. Brook Lopez’s presence makes this arrangement much more tenable.
NBA NEWS, TRADES & RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls & Milwaukee Bucks Updates
With that said, let’s suppose that it doesn’t work. At the very least, the Bucks have made an overture to Antetokoumnpo. This organization needs to prove to their superstar player that they’re serious about winning another NBA title. Otherwise, they should expect him to exercise his vast powers.
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