4. Nets take a swing on DeMar DeRozan
The Brooklyn Nets are still recovering from the Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving era. Both superstars are gone, and the franchise got massive returns, but their roster needs top-end talent if they plan to contend. The Nets also owe their first-round picks to the Rockets in 2024 and 2026 with swaps in 2025 and 2027, so there is zero reason to tank.
Could Brooklyn trade two wings for DeRozan in hopes of improving their playoff odds in 2024? The Nets would likely need a long-term commitment from the six-time All-Star to consider this package, but it would certainly improve their roster.
The Bulls could trade Dorian Finney-Smith and Royce O’Neale for additional draft capital to make this return massive. Still, a first-round pick from either the Suns, 76ers, or the lesser of Houston and Brooklyn gives Chicago something to jump-start their rebuild with.
The Bulls owe their 2025 first-rounder to the Spurs with a top-ten protection, so now is the time to tank and grab a few high lottery picks to get started.
The Brooklyn Nets may not be willing to push that much in to acquire DeMar DeRozan, but the Miami Heat are desperately searching for some star power.