4 former DeMar DeRozan teammates the Bulls should trade for

Former DeMar DeRozan teammates the Chicago Bulls could trade for: Jakob Poeltl

Now, we move into the portion of the list where there are actually some former DeRozan teammates that were at least mentioned as potential trade targets, or in connection with, for the Bulls around the trade deadline this year. Spurs center Jakob Poeltl was already mentioned in connection with the Bulls ahead of the deadline.

Poeltl was actually a teammate of DeRozan’s from their time together in San Antonio and Toronto. DeRozan and Poeltl played together for two seasons with the Raptors and three with the Spurs. That is because Poeltl was included in that insanely-impactful trade a few years back that sent DeRozan, Poeltl, and a first-round draft pick that turned into Keldon Johnson for the return of superstar Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green to the Raptors.

The Bulls could potentially reunite a solid pairing in DeRozan and Poeltl in Chicago if the Spurs aren’t asking too much for the traditional big man. Poeltl has a very manageable contract that pays him around $8.5 million in average annual value through the end of next season.

Poeltl would ideally slot into a second unit role at the five for the Bulls behind Vucevic. The Bulls clearly need some help on the boards. And they could use an actual consistent rim protector in the frontcourt unit. Poeltl could give them that type of presence in the paint on both ends of the floor.

This hypothetical trade deal sees the Bulls ship off point guard Coby White and forward Derrick Jones Jr. to the Spurs for a return of Poeltl and sharpshooting guard Lonnie Walker IV. This is a pretty even deal that helps the Bulls add a consistent threat shooting from downtown and a truly solid backup center.