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Chicago Bulls should explore trading DeMar DeRozan to the Memphis Grizzlies, says report
The Chicago Bulls are a team that’s still figuring out what to do with their high-priced, high-scoring, yet underachieving roster. Despite having a “Big 3” of Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, and DeMar DeRozan, the Bulls had an up-and-down season before barely getting into the Play-in Tournament. There, the Miami Heat put them out of their misery, sending the franchise into an offseason filled with uncertainty.
One of the many questions the Bulls need to find answers to is the contract status of DeRozan. Now entering the final season of his three-year contract, the All-Star will be eligible for a contract extension this summer. However, according to a report, the Bulls should explore trading DeRozan before he can become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
A trade to the Memphis Grizzlies
According to Will Gottlieb of CHGO, a trade sending DeRozan to Memphis for a package that has Luke Kennard, Brandon Clarke, Kenneth Lofton, and numerous draft picks would work well for the Bulls as it gives them a spot-up shooter they’ve always needed and young forwards Clarke and Lofton to add depth. Moreover, they would get multiple picks that could help them build a championship-level team in the coming years and free up cap space for potential free agents.
“I think the Bulls fall off a cliff without DeRozan, but that’s probably OK considering they need to be careful about getting into bed with him for a few more years in his next contract,” Gottlieb wrote.
The Grizzlies need DeRozan’s veteran leadership
As enticing as the Grizzlies’ talent has been, the team has lacked veteran leadership since Mike Conley left town. DeRozan both adds that and brings playoff experience. More than anything, DeRozan commands both respect and reverence in the locker room, which may bode well for a Grizzlies squad that often likes to toe the line between playing the right way and taking risks.
“For that reason, they may be even more in on DeRozan, someone who they have been connected to if they swing and miss on a Khris Middleton, for example,” assessed Gottlieb.
