An NBA roster is like a puzzle. Each player is a piece. Some pieces are more difficult to fit into the league’s puzzles.
That doesn’t mean they’re less valuable. They may be exactly the piece that a team is missing to complete their puzzle. It simply means that they’re less portable than other players. They need to land in the right situation.
Take DeMar DeRozan of the Chicago Bulls. He’s a remarkably talented offensive player. Yet, his weaknesses as a shooter and defender make him a difficult puzzle piece to work with. Could he fit on the Philadelphia 76ers?
NBA Trade Proposal
Chicago Bulls Receive: F/C Marcus Morris Sr., F Robert Covington, 2028 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – PHI)
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G/F DeMar DeRozan
What makes a player a difficult piece to work with? Well, the inability to shoot and/or defend is a factor. When a player has those deficiencies, they need to be surrounded by players who are strong in those areas.
Ball dominance is another factor. When a player needs the ball to be effective, they need to be surrounded by off-ball players. The Sixers recently learned that lesson. They struggled to incorporate James Harden into their attack.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
At the same time, a team full of 3-and-D wings is only going to get so far. A team needs star offensive players, and most of them aren’t perfect. Is DeRozan too flawed for the Sixers to have an interest in?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
The Sixers could get a better player than DeRozan. At the same time, it’s going to cost them. The Sixers landed some unprotected firsts when they traded Harden, and they may like to hang onto some of them.
This deal allows them to do that. It also has them landing a very good player. We’ve focused on DeRozan’s flaws. Let’s look at his positive qualities. DeRozan is an excellent shot-creator and a very solid playmaker as well.
Embiid can cover his defensive limitations as an anchor. The Sixers also generally have a strong shooting team – and if they’re concerned, they could pick up a shooter in addition to DeRozan.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Ultimately, this is an opportunity to add a dynamic to their offense without giving up a fortune. Should the Bulls accept this return for DeRozan?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
The Bulls aren’t looking to complete their puzzle. They’ve barely started assembling it. There’s no Joel Embiid here. Realistically, there isn’t even a Tyrese Maxey.
So, the Bulls should be looking to rebuild. DeRozan is a big name, but he’s a flawed, aging player on an expiring contract. He’s not going to net them a massive return. A lottery-protected first-rounder ought to suffice for the Bulls.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Meanwhile, they’re not taking on any additional financial burden here. Both Morris Sr. and Covington are also on expiring contracts. This is one step towards rebuilding for Chicago. Hopefully, they can get a better puzzle together this time.
