Sign-and-trade with Kings is a way out of one mess for the Bulls
The Chicago Bulls’ offseason is being held hostage by two problems.
The situations with both Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan have deteriorated to the point that it is unlikely that either of them will on the roster next season.
Zach LaVine situation getting worse for the Bulls
The relationship between the Bulls and LaVine has reportedly soured beyond repair, which doesn’t help his trade value in a market where the Bulls already had zero leverage.
They are now likely to have to pay if they want to get off LaVine’s deal, possibly in the form of a future first-round pick, of which they have precious few.
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With cap space evaporating quickly around the league, the list of teams that could even take on LaVine’s deal is dwindling.
The Bulls have to decide just how bad a deal they’ll accept, or otherwise go into next season with an unhappy LaVine getting paid $45 million.
Possibilities for DeMar DeRozan are few but still exist
DeMar DeRozan is a free agent after he and the Bulls couldn’t agree on an extension and now there is a strong chance they will lose him for nothing.
Their only chance is a sign-and-trade, and according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Kings are a team that has expressed interest:
Kings have talked to Bulls about DeRozan sign and trade, per source. Spurs also now another possibility. Despite DeRozan interest in Miami, Heat not in position to give him what he's seeking at this time... Heat will hope opportunity on some player it wants arises this summer.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) July 4, 2024
Could the Bulls solve one of their offseason problems and actually get something in return? It’s possible. But they may have to make a tough decision instead.