Grade the Trade: DeMar DeRozan heads to Big Apple in mock blockbuster
By Tyler Watts
The Chicago Bulls are in a difficult position heading into the trade deadline. Zach LaVine had season-ending foot surgery with the team four games under .500, but they are still ninth in the Eastern Conference. Chicago is not a contender but has not been known to tank. They should sell and try to retool their roster, but general manager Arturas Karnisovas may disappoint fans again.
LaVine will likely stay in Chicago after another significant injury, but the Bulls have decisions to make on DeMar DeRozan, Andre Drummond, and Pat Williams. All three will become free agents this summer. Williams will be restricted, but Chicago cannot afford to let any of them go without getting a return.
The Bulls discussed an extension with DeRozan, but could not agree on a new deal. It is decision time in the Windy City. If DeRozan is not a long-term part of their roster, they must trade him before 2 p.m. CT on Thursday.
Will the Bulls trade DeMar DeRozan before the deadline?
Chicago would qualify for the Play-In Tournament if the season ended today, but they are already three games back of the Heat for eighth. The Bulls would need to win two straight games just to secure the eighth seed and a matchup with the Celtics in the first round of the playoffs. Why chase a postseason berth if it means at best getting bounced in the first round in five games?
The Bulls should look to build a sustainable contender. To do that, they must trade DeRozan before the deadline. LaVine will be back on the block in the offseason, and Chicago can likely dump Lonzo Ball’s expiring contract this summer to quickly revamp their roster around Coby White.
The New York Knicks are searching for a top-end talent and could have interest in the six-time All-Star. SNY’s David Vertsberger went through several mock deals, including this package that brought DeRozan to the Big Apple.