Around the NBA, some discussions just won’t go away. Some situations just don’t seem to resolve. We keep talking about them – and talking about them, and talking about them…
For example, we’ve talked about the Chicago Bulls for quite some time. Plenty of fans have suggested that they should blow up their roster. Why not?
The Bulls had a disappointing 2022-23 season. This team is heavy on veterans, and light on future-focused assets. With that in mind, the Bulls are a perfect candidate to trigger a rebuild this season.
It feels like this front office is aware. It’s being reported that if the Bulls aren’t in the playoff picture by the deadline, they’ll make some major moves. This is a situation that’s worth monitoring.
If the Bulls are rebuilding, could they send DeMar DeRozan to the Los Angeles Lakers?
NBA Trade Proposal — Los Angeles Lakers Land DeMar DeRozan
Chicago Bulls Receive: F Rui Hachimura, G Gabe Vincent, 2029 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G/F DeMar DeRozan
When a team is going to rebuild, it means stars hit the trade market. Typically, they end up getting linked to the Lakers. This is another conversation that just won’t die. Will the Lakers trade for Star X?
This shouldn’t come as any surprise. It doesn’t even matter how many assets the Lakers have – they will be linked to a star. After all, they’re the Lakers. This is the most glamorous team in the league’s history. The Lakers have been in title contention more often than not since the 1960s.
LATEST NBA TRADE RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
They’re still in title contention. Yet, they’re low on assets. If a true superstar becomes available, the Lakers may not be in the running for him.
On the other hand, they have enough to add an impactful player. Should they target DeRozan?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
The Lakers should be able to afford DeRozan. He’s aging, a somewhat poor defender, and a non-shooter. So, that all raises the same question: should they even want DeRozan?
We’d forgive them for having trepidation. We saw the Lakers try to wedge a non-shooting playmaking alongside LeBron James. It didn’t work with Russell Westbrook.
At the same time, DeRozan isn’t Westbrook. He’s a much better decision-maker. Ultimately, he and James both have too strong of a feel for the game to suffer the same fate.
LATEST NBA TRADE RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
So, we like the fit. James is aging, too – he could use more help in the playmaking department. DeRozan can provide it. This deal ought to make the Lakers a more dynamic offensive team, and that’s why it’s worth making for them.
Is this a reasonable return for DeRozan for the Bulls?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
Yes. To reiterate: DeRozan isn’t going to net a superstar’s return. His name value exceeds his on-court value. Teams won’t line up around the corner to add DeRozan. His poor shooting makes him a questionable fit on a lot of rosters.
With that in mind, the Bulls should be happy with this package. Sure, the pick that they’re receiving is lottery-protected, but it’s still an asset. If the Bulls go on to move Zach LaVine, they’ll get several unprotected firsts for him.
Adding one more lottery-protected pick would benefit the Bulls. In the meantime, they should be happy to add Hachimura as well. He’s still young enough to be part of a rebuild.
LATEST NBA TRADE RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
In the end, the Bulls should be happy to add a quality young player and a protected first. If nothing else, we can finally stop talking about them.
