DeMar DeRozan is one of the most talented players in the NBA. Nobody can take that away from him. DeRozan is a purist’s dream. His footwork is pristine. His balance is incredible. DeRozan can score mid-range, make plays for teammates, and get to the rim.
Still, his talent hasn’t always met his production. DeRozan is complicated. His poor three-point shooting makes him a difficult player to build around. His subpar defense doesn’t hurt either. DeRozan is an incredible talent, but he’s not the easiest puzzle piece.
Perhaps that’s why the Chicago Bulls allegedly struggle to agree on an extension with him. If that’s true, DeRozan becomes one of the most prominent trade candidates in the NBA.
Here are three teams that we think should take a look at him.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers make perfect sense for DeRozan. At the same time, they don’t make any sense at all. The narrative writes itself. DeRozan is a Los Angeles native. He’s been linked to the Lakers before. Meanwhile, the team needs some secondary playmaking alongside LeBron James. Why wouldn’t this make sense?
Well, those same issues that we mentioned with DeRozan’s game in general could be a problem alongside James. In particular, his lack of shooting could be an issue. We saw James alongside a non-shooting playmaker in Russell Westbrook. Why would it be any different alongside DeRozan?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Perhaps DeRozan has a better feel for the game than Westbrook. This could work. On the other hand, the Lakers could decide that DeRozan isn’t worth the effort. Could the other Los Angeles team be interested in DeRozan?
Los Angeles Clippers
DeRozan feels like a better basketball fit for the Clippers. They could use playmaking as well. Meanwhile, the best players on this team are a perfect fit for DeRozan. Both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are 3-and-D wings who double as shot creators. Those are the teammates that DeRozan needs.
Otherwise, the Clippers have the floor spacing to make up for DeRozan’s poor shooting. Sure, he’d share the floor with Ivica Zubac if he was starting. That’s fine. The two should make for a dynamic pick-and-roll duo. Zubac is a vertical floor spacer, and that ought to suffice for DeRozan.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Clippers Updates
If the Clippers opt against James Harden, DeRozan could be a solid backup plan. With that said, they are a bit light on assets. The Clippers could decide that they aren’t interested in parting with the package the Bulls will want for DeRozan. Is there a team with some assets that could be interested in him?
Brooklyn Nets
Floor spacers? Check. Defenders? Double check. On paper, the Brooklyn Nets are perfectly built for DeRozan. any caveat that applies to Zubac applies to Nicolas Claxton. DeRozan can play with just about anyone on this roster.
He may be a suboptimal fit alongside Ben Simmons. The Nets may not care. They’l want to monitor Simmons’ progress this season, but if he’s not at his former level, they may not mind replacing him in the starting lineup. DeRozan should make them a more dynamic offensive team.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls, Brooklyn Nets Updates
That’s ideal for the Nets. This team has no incentive to tank – they owe their next draft pick to the Houston Rockets. They also have more than enough picks to spare. If they’re interested, they should spare one for one of the most talented players in the NBA.
