If you love the NBA, you love the diversity of skill sets that we see around the league. Some players don’t look like they’ve ever dribbled a ball – they can shoot, and/or defend, and that’s it. Other players are more offensively dynamic. You need a diverse range of players to build an elite NBA team.
What’s the most important skill in the league? In all likelihood, the answer is shooting. That’s the most fundamental skill in the sport. Still, don’t sell playmaking short. Having an elite playmaker makes life easier for the shooters on your squad. After all, somebody has got to stir the drink.
Do they have to do it alone? We wouldn’t say that. Recently, teams have looked to employ a variety of playmakers. That can make an offense less predictable. Take the Oklahoma City Thunder. They’ve endeavored to draft as many playmakers as they can. Could they add one more in the trade market in DeMar DeRozan of the Chicago Bulls?
The Trade Proposal
Chicago Bulls Receive: F Davis Bertans, G/F Victor Oladipo, 2024 First-Round Pick (Top 10 Protected – UTA via OKC)
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: G/F DeMar DeRozan
With that said, DeRozan wasn’t always a playmaker. His evolution as a basketball player has been impressive. When DeRozan entered the league, he was little more than an athlete. Nobody could have expected him to turn into the player he did.
Eventually, he’d develop into a shot creator. That was predictable enough. Still, DeRozan always brought a new trick into a season. His footwork was constantly developing. DeRozan has been able to get buckets for years now. Still, his playmaking turn was impossible to predict. Under Gregg Popovich as a member of the San Antonio Spurs, DeRozan inexplicably unlocked a gift for passing.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls & Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Remarkable. Yet, DeRozan remains a polarizing player. As much as his skills have developed, DeRozan has never developed a three-point shot. He’s never been a plus defender, either. DeRozan’s development has been impressive, but his game still has holes. Should the Thunder take a risk on him?
Why The Oklahoma City Thunder Do The Deal
We think so. Let’s look at the cost that the Thunder are paying here. They’re giving up a protected first-round pick. That’s significant enough. Yet, it’s a little less significant for the Thunder.
After all, this team has the most draft capital that a team has ever had in NBA history. It isn’t even close. The Thunder couldn’t possibly use every pick they’ve got to draft and develop players. At some point, they’ve got to start spending that money. Why not start this year? The Thunder had an impressive season last year. This team is ready to take a step forward.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls & Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
DeRozan could help them do that. Meanwhile, his expiring contract could actually appeal to the Thunder. This team needs to have a long-term outlook on their books. If this works out, they can retain DeRozan on a likely smaller deal. If it doesn’t, they burned one pick in an effort to improve – the Thunder can justify that. Should the Bulls be interested in that pick?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
Every first-round pick isn’t born equally. This one is a little bit volatile. It comes from the Jazz, and it’s top-10 protected. Meanwhile, the Jazz’s plans are a bit unclear. This team could end up tanking, and in that event, the Bulls wouldn’t get anything here.
Yet: nothing ventured, nothing gained. It feels more likely that the Jazz will try to stay competitive this year. If they do, this could be a pick that helps the Bulls add meaningful young talent to their roster. That’s critical for Chicago. After a disappointing 2022-23 season, they should probably be thinking about meaningful young talent.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls & Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
They don’t need to worry about the incoming contracts here. Bertans is locked up for two more years, but his deal, while significant, isn’t devastating either. Meanwhile, Oladipo is on an expiring deal. Neither veteran should deter the Bulls from moving DeRozan – no matter how skilled he is.
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