What are the Chicago Bulls going to do with DeMar DeRozan?
It’s probably the biggest question hanging over the franchise right now and the answer will determine the path they take next season. Bringing him back as a free agent shows the Bulls are staying with their goal of making the playoffs with the current core. Letting him walk for nothing (which isn’t going to happen) would be the Bulls waving the white flag and starting over.
The third option is a sign-and-trade, which is complicated for a number of reasons. The first is that DeRozan would have to agree to it or he can just be an unrestricted free agent and go wherever he wants, which limits the options.
The options are also limited by the second tax apron, which prohibits the teams who have breached it from making sign-and-trades.
Many of the teams that would want DeRozan are over the second apron, including the most recent team mentioned, the LA Clippers.
Chicago Bulls sign-and-trade of DeMar DeRozan to the LA Clippers is challenging
Mike Scotto of HoopsHype recently reported that the Clippers have emerged as a possibility for a sign-and-trade with the Chicago Bulls:
"However, one team worth monitoring as a potential suitor for DeRozan via sign-and-trade is the Los Angeles Clippers, should the franchise fail to re-sign Paul George in free agency, HoopsHype has learned. "
It does make some sense if they strike out on George, as DeRozan is from LA and may enjoy finishing his career there.
But the Clippers would have to get under the second apron, which would be easier without George’s salary on the books, but if they plan to bring back James Harden it gets tougher.
Norman Powell and PJ Tucker would almost have to be part of the deal to make the money work, which would at least give the Bulls something if DeRozan plans to walk in free agency anyway or they can’t work out a deal.
If the Clippers were willing to throw a future draft pick on top of it, the trade might be worth it for the Bulls, but it all could be moot anyway, as the Clippers are going to pursue George and might not be able to do a sign-and-trade even if they don’t get him.