As the 2023-24 NBA season gets underway, it’s worth reflecting on last season. Which teams exceeded expectations? Which teams fell short? What should we expect from those teams this year?
Well, Chicago Bulls fans may want to temper their expectations. This team was underwhelming in 2022-23 and made very few changes this year.
If the Bulls fail expectations again leading to the deadline, they’ll be a team to watch. They could host a fire sale and trade some of their most important players.
Meanwhile, the New York Knicks exceeded expectations last year. They could have easily missed the playoffs. Instead, they won a series once they got there.
This year, the Knicks are hoping to take a step forward this season. Could they do so by acquiring DeMar DeRozan from the Bulls?
NBA Trade Proposal — New York Knicks Land DeMar DeRozan
Chicago Bulls Receive: G/F Evan Fournier, C Isaiah Hartenstein, 2028 First-Round Pick (Top 10 Protected – NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: G/F DeMar DeRozan
Writers can reflect on last season. Fans can too. Even NBA front offices should be looking at year-to-year trends. On the other hand, players need to put last season behind them. They need to be focused entirely on the present.
Last year is over. As far as they’re concerned, the Bulls are back in the playoff hunt. This team is back together, and their goal hasn’t changed.
They need to think about how to succeed this year, not lament last year’s failures. In theory, at least. Perhaps we’re being idealistic.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks Updates
Some Bulls players have commented that they understand this group could break up this season. They know that the front office would have to consider at least rebuilding.
Should they start by sending DeRozan to New York?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
Sure. The Bulls may want to wait before making major moves. That would be understandable. Eventually, they can’t keep doing the same thing and expecting a different result. Some would suggest that that’s the definition of insanity.
They may not be thrilled with their return for DeRozan. He’s aging, a poor defender, and a weak floor spacer. His value on the open market may not be as impressive as their fans would hope.
With that in mind, this is a good deal. Hartenstein is young enough to justify rostering, and a protected first-rounder is better than nothing. Finally, Fournier is on an expiring contract. That’s key for a team that needs change.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks Updates
The Bulls could try to make a trade for a new co-star for Zach LaVine following this deal, or they could hang onto this asset as they rebuild. Should the Knicks part with a contested pick?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
DeRozan may be a weak defender and a poor shooter. He’s also a dynamic playmaker and shot-creator. In some respects, he sounds like a current Knick. DeRozan bears some resemblance to RJ Barrett.
He should be an upgrade next season. The Knicks built an elite offense around Barrett’s limitations last season. Why couldn’t they do the same with DeRozan? Meanwhile, Barrett could thrive while carrying the second unit. This deal should make the Knicks a better team next season.
With that in mind, it’s worth this cost. The Knicks would still have an impressive collection of draft capital if they wanted to trade for a different star.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks Updates
If necessary, they could include Barrett in that package. Either way, adding DeRozan should make them a better team this season. Next year, we can discuss whether that came to be or not.
