Grade the Trade: DeMar DeRozan heads to Big Apple in mock blockbuster

The Bulls may trade DeMar DeRozan before the deadline, but should they send him to the Knicks?

Chicago Bulls, DeMar DeRozan
Chicago Bulls, DeMar DeRozan | Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
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Should the Bulls trade DeMar DeRozan for this package?

Chicago should be all-in on trading DeRozan for draft capital and young talent. Coby White is averaging 22.1 points, 5.5 assists, and 5.4 rebounds in 37.8 minutes per game over the last 36 contests. Chicago should prioritize building around their 23-year-old, which means tearing down their current core.

DeRozan has positive trade value and should be the first to go. Getting a first-round draft pick, even one that is lottery-protected with a potential rotation piece of their next contender is a win for the Bulls. Fournier has a $19 million team option for the 2024-25 season, which the Bulls would decline, so there is zero long-term commitment there. This is a no-brainer move for Chicago.

Grade: A

It may not be the absolute best package the Bulls could get, but it has to be close. The 34-year-old is not fetching two first-round draft picks unless they are heavily protected. Chicago getting a selection in the 20s to pair with Quentin Grimes is a victory when trading an aging star on an expiring deal.

The Chicago Bulls would get an A for this trade as it allows them to give more run to their young talent down the stretch too. The franchise should focus on improvement and building for the future. That means trading DeMar DeRozan and retooling their roster. Stay tuned to see if the Bulls actually do it.

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