The Bulls are only 25-27 and ninth in the East. With names like Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, they must be a little disappointed with where they’re at.
Center Nikola Vucevic is another big name on the roster and according to multiple sources, Vucevic, DeRozan and LaVine may remain after the trade deadline, but interest for DeRozan hasn’t waned.
“Overall, it seems as if the Bulls are more likely to keep the core of LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic together for the rest of the season, as relayed by Jack Maloney of CBS Sports,” Sam Amico of Hoops Wire said. “DeRozan, though, continues to draw ‘serious interest’ as well, sources said.”
DeRozan’s contract is a reasonable $27.3 million this season and $28.6 million next season and will expire at the end of 2023-24.
One team that is in need of a star to help Kevin Durant out is Brooklyn, after the departure of Kyrie Irving.
DeRozan and Durant could be a veteran force to be reckoned with, as DeRozan is already one the best mid-range scorers in the NBA.
As for the Bulls, Lonzo Ball’s timeline to return is unclear so they could acquire a point guard type player from Brooklyn, while players like Seth Curry, Joe Harris or Patty Mills could also be involved in the deal.
“With so many veterans on short-term contracts, plus upside pieces like [Ben] Simmons, a talented guard in [Cam] Thomas, and multiple future firsts, the Nets are equipped to make a compelling offer for one of the best players on the market,” The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor wrote following Irving’s trade.