- DeMar DeRozan is set to become an unrestricted free agent next offseason
- Many NBA scouts think the Chicago Bulls should trade DeRozan and Zach LaVine and rebuild
- The Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Memphis Grizzlies, Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat could use DeRozan
DeMar DeRozan is in the final year of his contract with the Chicago Bulls and one NBA insider thinks the small forward could become a trade candidate as the 2023-24 season progresses.
Brian Windhorst of ESPN believes several teams could try to trade for DeRozan if the USC product and the Bulls don’t agree to an extension or Chicago struggles like it did last season.
“One guy to keep an eye on for everybody — the whole league — this year is DeMar DeRozan,” Windhorst said on First Take. “If he doesn’t extend with the Bulls, I think he becomes a trade target as the season goes along.”
The Bulls missed the playoffs last season and are off to another slow start in 2023-24. Most people around the NBA believe Chicago will eventually decide to rebuild and trade DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Nikola Vucevic since the current roster isn’t good enough to compete.
With that said, here are five blockbuster trade ideas for DeRozan, who remains a terrific scorer.
The Los Angeles Lakers Bring DeMar DeRozan Home
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: DeMar DeRozan
Chicago Bulls Receive: Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, 2025 second-round pick
DeMar DeRozan took part in meetings at LeBron James’ house in the summer of 2021. DeRozan thought he would sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, but things changed after Los Angeles acquired Russell Westbrook from the Washington Wizards.
After the Lakers traded for Westbrook, DeRozan signed a three-year, $85 million contract with the Bulls as part of a sign-and-trade deal with the San Antonio Spurs.
DeRozan told Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports in November 2021 that he “felt like going to the Lakers was a done deal” in the summer of 2021.DeRozan has a close relationship with LeBron and Anthony Davis. He was born and raised in California and grew up rooting for the Lakers.
Los Angeles should do whatever it takes to acquire DeRozan if the Bulls make the former Toronto Raptors star available in trade talks.
The Lakers could start D’Angelo Russell, DeRozan, Jarred Vanderbilt, LeBron, and Davis if Los Angeles’ front office figured out a way to acquire DeRozan from Chicago.
The New York Knicks Bring DeMar DeRozan To The Big Apple
Trade Details
New York Knicks Receive: DeMar DeRozan
Chicago Bulls Receive: RJ Barrett, Quentin Grimes, 2024 first-round pick
The New York Knicks could start Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, DeMar DeRozan, Julius Randle, and Mitchell Robinson if New York’s front office figured out a way to acquire DeRozan from Chicago. DeRozan wouldn’t help the Knicks’ spacing issues since he doesn’t shoot many 3-pointers.
However, DeRozan, Brunson, and Randle are each accustomed to navigating through narrow lanes. All three players are strong drivers and finishers at the basket. Plus, DeRozan and Brunson are excellent mid-range shooters.
The Knicks need a proven closer in the fourth quarter and DeRozan is one of the best clutch players in the NBA. DeRozan’s arrival would take the offensive burden off Brunson’s shoulders, making Brunson fresher for the playoffs.
The Memphis Grizzlies Make A Splash Trade For DeMar DeRozan
Trade Details
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: DeMar DeRozan
Chicago Bulls Receive: Steven Adams, Luke Kennard, Ziaire Williams, 2024 first-round pick
The Memphis Grizzlies have been a walking disaster this season. No one is surprised, though, since the team has been without Ja Morant, who is suspended.
Memphis needs to make a bold trade for DeMar DeRozan to save its season before Morant comes back.
The Grizzlies could start Marcus Smart, Desmond Bane, DeRozan, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Bismack Biyombo. That starting lineup would change to Morant, Smart, Bane, DeRozan, and Jackson Jr. once Morant is eligible to play again.
Memphis has one win on the season. They look like the worst team in the NBA without Morant. Adding DeRozan, one of the top scorers in the league, would give the team the juice they need to get back into the play-in race.
The Miami Heat Bring DeMar DeRozan To South Beach
Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: DeMar DeRozan
Chicago Bulls Receive: Tyler Herro, 2024 first-round pick, 2026 first-round pick
If the Miami Heat get word that DeMar DeRozan is available on the trade market, they should try to acquire him.
DeRozan is close friends with Kyle Lowry and Jimmy Butler and who wouldn’t want to live in Miami with a chance to win a ring?
The Heat could start Lowry, DeRozan, Butler, Kevin Love, and Bam Adebayo. Hall of Famer Pat Riley wasn’t able to acquire Damian Lillard or Jrue Holiday, so he could make up for not getting those two stars by trading for DeRozan.
Miami is 0-2 in the NBA Finals in the Butler-Adebayo era. Perhaps DeRozan could be the missing piece Butler and Adebayo need to win a title.
The Philadelphia 76ers Get A Third Star In DeMar DeRozan
Trade Details
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso
Chicago Bulls Receive: Tobias Harris, 2024 first-round pick, 2024 second-round pick, 2026 first-round pick, 2027 second-round pick
The Philadelphia 76ers would like to use the assets they acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers in the James Harden trade to acquire a third star. DeMar DeRozan would be the perfect third option on the Sixers next to Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
The Sixers could start Maxey, De’Anthony Melton, Marcus Morris, DeRozan and Embiid. That’s a versatile starting five with plenty of shooting and scoring.
DeRozan is arguably the best mid-range shooter in the NBA, Maxey has developed into a special three-level scorer and Embiid is a dominant inside presence. The Sixers could legitimately compete for a championship with that Big 3.
Philadelphia has played great since the Harden trade. They haven’t lost yet. Daryl Morey doesn’t have to make another trade, but since DeRozan will likely be available, Morey should use the assets he got from the Clippers and go all-in for a title by creating a Big 3 of Embiid, Maxey, and DeRozan.
