DeMar DeRozan trade rumors: 5 landing spots that make most sense for 6x NBA All-Star
DeMar DeRozan has been one of the big names expected to be moved ahead of the trade deadline. With reports of the 6x NBA All-Star likely to be shipped and have a new home by the end of the 2023-24 season, the Chicago Bulls star has already been linked to multiple teams, with his hometown team, LA Lakers being one of them.
DeRozan is in the final year of his three-year, $81 million deal and will be an unrestricted free agent by the end of the season. The Bulls were reported to pull the trigger and move their big names which also include Zach LaVine and Alex Caruso. It will be interesting to see where the mid-range sniper lands.
This season, DeRozan is averaging 22.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in his 38 games so far. The Bulls are 18-22 and placed ninth in the East. As the deadline approaches, the front office might start moving the needle, and here are some of the potential landing spots for the forward.
5 landing spots for DeMar DeRozan ahead of the trade deadline
#5 Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings are one of the teams slated to make the playoffs this season with their 23-15 record. With young names and tradeable assets, the Kings are one of the teams that could use DeMar DeRozan's skillset. The forward is a reliable bucket and can add more teeth to their offense.
That said, the question is whether they would be willing to trade their assets to acquire the swingman. His defense is pesky, and what he lacks in three-point shooting, he makes up for it with his clutch deuces.
#4 Oklahoma City Thunder
The OKC Thunder have draft capital and a few names they could deal with to land DeMar DeRozan in their ranks. The team has been on a tear this season, and the young unit led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will have a massive boost in the experience and mentorship department with the 34-year-old in their ranks.
DeRozan clocks 37 minutes per game for the Bulls this season. While, the minutes will surely see a decline, it will also see him bring out the best in himself with a more skilled side for the company.
#3 Miami Heat
Jimmy Butler's absence has played a role in the Miami Heat's 22-16 run this season, and they could use a star of DeMar DeRozan's stature on their side. With a dependable scorer in their mix, the team's chances of making the NBA Finals get another jolt.
After missing out on landing Damian Lillard in the summer, the Heat will be one of the teams to watch out for as they look to make a beeline for DeRozan.
#2 LA Lakers
The LA Lakers were reported to have an interest in acquiring DeRozan, and former Purple and Gold star Alex Caruso. They will be expected to trade away with some of the depth in their roster if they indeed manage to pull off the trade.
But at this point, LA needs players who provide consistent shooting alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Their GM Rob Pelinka is a shrewd operator who has pulled off blockbuster trades and smart acquisitions over the years. Expect the Lakers and DeMar DeRozan chatter to get louder in the days to come.
#1 New York Knicks
The New York Knicks were one of the preferred destinations for DeMar DeRozan trade and with recent reports that the former is open to trading Julius Randle, it could be a perfect forward-forward deal that would send the Bulls a proven All-Star.
The Knicks will now have a certified bucket-getter in DeRozan. This could be a bit tricky if the Bulls expect more than just one player in the trade, but it would be a win-win for both sides if the deal goes through.