The Golden State Warriors are a modern-day NBA dynasty. This team has been dominating the league for the better part of a decade. How much longer will their success last?
It’s hard to say. The Warriors are aging. They may need to make some cost-cutting moves soon enough. In fact, they’ve already started doing just that. The Warriors traded Jordan Poole for Chris Paul this summer. They had several incentives to make that move, but most of all, they were happy to flip Poole’s long-term commitment for Paul’s expiring contract.
Will Paul be a good fit for the Warriors? It’s hard to say. This could go one way or another. With that said, if the Warriors aren’t happy with their performance leading up to the trade deadline, they could look to move Paul. Could they flip him for DeMar DeRozan of the Chicago Bulls?
The Trade Proposal
Chicago Bulls Receive: G Chris Paul, G/F Moses Moody, 2027 First-Round Pick (GSW)
Golden State Warriors Receive: G/F DeMar DeRozan, G/F Alex Caruso
Suppose the Warriors fall apart. Don’t expect fans of rival teams to cry for them. This team has had their time in the sun. If the Warriors are soon rebuilding, that will be the natural order of things. After all, some teams go decades without attaining the success that the Warriors have.
Take the Bulls. Sure, this team was a dynasty in the 90s. The Bulls haven’t had a real title shot since then. The Derrick Rose era was marred by injuries. Otherwise, the Bulls have mostly fielded mediocre teams without a shot of winning the title. It’s been a rough stretch for this once-proud organization.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls & Golden State Warriors Updates
Last year was no exception. The Bulls sunk major resources into their current core. They ended up sending the Orlando Magic a lottery pick for all of their troubles. Now, plenty of fans have wondered whether the Bulls could rebuild. Is this the right way to go about it?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
In fairness, things could have gone differently if Lonzo Ball had stayed healthy. Here, the Bulls are at least replacing him. Paul is old, but he’s still a valuable floor general. There’s a remote chance that he unexpectedly makes this team better.
Of course, that isn’t the goal here. If it was, the Bulls wouldn’t be letting go of Caruso. For the Bulls, this is about triggering a rebuild. This team owns their own pick in the next draft. If the Bulls make this deal near the deadline, it’s because they’re underperforming again. In large part, they’ll be hoping to plunge to the bottom of the standings.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls & Golden State Warriors Updates
With that said, they’ve got to get value for two starting-caliber players. Here, they are. Moody is an intriguing young player with ample potential. Throw in an expiring contract and an unprotected first, and this is a good deal for the Bulls. Does it make sense for the Warriors?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
The Warriors do this deal to make another title run. Simple. This is a major win-now upgrade for the Warriors. Is DeRozan a natural fit with this roster?
Frankly, no. DeRozan’s inability to space the floor could make him a questionable fit alongside Draymond Green and Kevon Looney. On the other hand, DeRozan is a clever playmaker with a knack for setting up teammates. Steve Kerr is creative enough to make this work. The Warriors are making a pure talent grab here.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls & Golden State Warriors Updates
By contrast, Caruso is a perfect fit. In fact, he’s arguably the best defensive guard in the NBA. He’ll give this team a huge boost on that end of the floor. If all goes well, he could help them expand their dynasty a little bit longer.
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