Grade the Trade: DeMar DeRozan heads to Big Apple in mock blockbuster
By Tyler Watts
What is the market for DeMar DeRozan?
DeRozan is on a $28.6 million expiring contract, which eliminates some contenders. Getting up to that matching salary without losing a core piece is not easy. The Bulls need to find the right contender with a significant expiring salary to trade.
The Knicks have Evan Fournier and could offer a young talent and a first-round draft pick to complete the package. DeRozan is still an elite scorer, but Chicago cannot expect to get a better offer than this for the 34-year-old.
DeRozan to NYK
Grimes has the potential to blossom into a 3-and-D wing and key rotation piece in Chicago. Fournier likely would not last long on their roster, but he is a veteran role player with experience. He could mentor the Bulls' young talent and help them reach their potential. A protected first-round pick is a must as the Knicks want to avoid a disaster scenario.
New York gets the number one scorer they have been searching for. DeRozan may not be the cleanest fit next to Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, and OG Anunoby, but he provides some necessary offensive punch. The Knicks are rolling and may not want to change things up. If they decide to make this offer, should the Bulls accept?