A recent trade theory sends Chicago Bulls superstar DeMar DeRozan to the New York Knicks.
Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley, in his latest column, explained why the Bulls might trade the midrange sniper to the Knicks in the offseason. “If Chicago can’t contend right now, it needs to ask some uncomfortable questions about how it will ever reach that level,” he said
“A deal like this would buy the Bulls some breathing room without completely abandoning the idea of competing sooner than later. Swapping out DeMar DeRozan for RJ Barrett would make Chicago younger and more defensively resistant on the wings. While DeRozan is the better scorer and creator now, things could shift Barrett’s direction sooner than later.”
He also added why the deal was a winner for the Knicks as well. “The Knicks might see their playoff exit as a reason to add offensive firepower,” he suggested. “DeRozan is the player right now whom they hope Barrett will one day become. Do this deal, and New York would have one of the league’s top-scoring trios with DeRozan, Jalen Brunson, and Julius Randle.”
DeRozan was impressive for Chicago this season averaging 24.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. Contract-wise, he is due $28.6 million next season, after which the forward becomes an unrestricted free agent. Barrett was solid this season propping up 19.6 points a game, 5.0 boards, and 2.8 assists.
This would be a suitable trade for both teams, and only time will tell if the Bulls would consider shipping one of their bonafide stars.
DeMar DeRozan Was Linked To The Phoenix Suns Earlier
According to Heavy’s Sean Deveney, both Chicago and Phoenix have been reportedly mulling over a DeRozan-Deandre Ayton swap.
“A more likely swap for the Suns and Bulls would center on sending out Ayton for DeMar DeRozan,” Deveney wrote. “The Bulls have not shopped their star wing, but that could be coming, considering he is 33 and heading into the final year of his contract. Chicago, according to league sources, is open to reshaping its roster with guard Zach LaVine as the clear No. 1 go-to option.”
The Bulls failed to make it past the play-in tournament this season, while the Suns were undone by the Denver Nuggets in the second round of the playoffs. Ayton came under intense criticism, as did the Bulls superstar duo of DeRozan and LaVine.
There’s no doubt that DeRozan will be on the radar of most teams as the offseason approaches and only time will tell how it pans out for the Bulls.
