When an NBA star requests a trade in 2023, it’s normal for them to have a list of preferred destinations. That doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll land in one of those places.
Just this summer, we saw the Portland Trail Blazers send Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks as he was openly campaigning to join the Miami Heat.
Yet, every player has a different market. The definition of “star” can be loose. If a player has a slimmer market, he may increase the probability of landing on one of his preferred teams. After all, fewer teams are interested in him anyway.
Take DeMar DeRozan of the Chicago Bulls. He wants to go to either the Heat or the New York Knicks. At this point in his career, DeRozan’s list of suitors may not be especially lengthy anyway.
Should the Knicks even make a run at him?
NBA Trade Proposal: New York Knicks Land Chicago Bulls’ DeMar DeRozan
Chicago Bulls Receive: G/F Evan Fournier, C Isaiah Hartenstein, 2024 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: G/F DeMar DeRozan
DeRozan’s list of teams isn’t especially surprising. Doesn’t every star want to go to the Heat? Why wouldn’t they? Miami is a glamor market, and the Heat are a notoriously well-ran organization.
With that said, the Knicks aren’t always on everyone’s list. Sure, they’re in one of the league’s best markets. The “notoriously well-ran” portion of the equation can be debated.
On the other hand, the Knicks have enjoyed better management than before in recent seasons. Is this a turning point? Perhaps. DeRozan’s interest in joining the Knicks is a positive for the organization.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks Updates
Still, it is worth mentioning that DeRozan has some limitations that will likely impact his market. This isn’t an S-Tier superstar.
Should the Knicks even acquire him?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
Let’s talk about those limitations. DeRozan’s three-ball has never come around – at this point, it likely never will. He’s a poor floor spacer, and he’s never been an especially strong defender, either.
Factor in his age and expiring contract, and teams won’t line up to acquire him. On the other hand, let’s focus on the positives with DeRozan. He can create shots for himself and his teammates.
DeRozan is masterful in the midrange. He’s among the most talented scorers in the league – even if he is limited. In other words, he’s surely worth the price of an expiring contract, a backup big man, and a lottery-protected first.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks Updates
This is a talent grab for New York. They can figure out DeRozan’s role later. Should the Bulls accept this return for him?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
The Bulls have to trade DeRozan. That’s not debatable. At this point, they don’t have a choice. With that said, they ought to move him for the best return that they can find.
Will this be it? We’re not sure – this is our best guess. Let’s assume that it’s correct. What are the Bulls getting here? Well, above all else, they’re netting some draft capital.
Sure, this pick is lottery-protected. The Knicks shouldn’t be in the lottery – this pick ought to convey. That’s enough value for DeRozan at this stage in his career.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks Updates
Yet, the Bulls are getting a little more as well. Fournier is on an expiring contract, so they’re not taking any bad money back here. Moreover, Hartenstein is still young enough for a rebuilding team to value. Hopefully, the next star that the Bulls land won’t request a trade.
