The Chicago Bulls are in a state of disarray. Just two-and-a-half seasons after making a blockbuster deal for Nikola Vucevic and signing DeMar DeRozan to a big contract, things haven’t gone according to plan. They have just one playoff appearance to show for their efforts and were eliminated in the Play-In Tournament this past year.
Injuries have gotten in the way, but at this point, that can’t be their excuse anymore. As the offseason gets underway, there’s a real chance they will consider resetting the team. While that could involve completely gutting their roster, it’s more likely that they flip some pieces and keep others, and one of the first to go could be DeRozan.
According to Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports, that could involve trading DeRozan in favor of building around Zach LaVine.
“A more likely swap for the Suns and Bulls would center on sending out [Deandre] Ayton for DeMar DeRozan. The Bulls have not shopped their star wing but that could be coming, considering he is 33 and heading into the final year of his contract. Chicago, according to league sources, is open to reshaping its roster with guard Zach LaVine as the clear No. 1 go-to option.”
DeRozan has completely revitalized his career since joining the team in the 2021 offseason, making two All-Star teams and an All-NBA Team. This past season, he averaged 24.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.1 assists on 50.4% shooting from the field and 32.4% shooting from behind the three-point line.
DeRozan has formed a great two-man tandem with LaVine, but it’s become clear that something needs to change in Chicago. And considering LaVine just inked a massive contract extension with the Bulls this past summer, DeRozan is the logical choice for a trade.
The veteran will be 34 years old heading into next season and in the last year of his contract, but with how well he’s performed over the past two seasons, he most likely still holds some solid value.
