DeMar DeRozan might be the next star to get traded

Chicago Bulls wingman DeMar DeRozan has been in the league for 14 years, and at 34 years old, his chances of winning an NBA title are dwindling. If he wants to ride into the sunset with an NBA championship on his resume, he'll most likely have to leave his current team.

According to a recent report from Bleacher Report, DeRozan could be one of the next crop of superstars who'll get traded. This may be what's best for the midrange maestro if he's ever going to add a championship ring to his collection.

Perfect trade candidate

The stars are lining up for a DeRozan trade to happen sooner rather than later. He's in the last year of his contract on a team that may end up right where they ended up last season: playing in the Play-in Tournament rather than competing for an NBA crown.

"DeMar DeRozan is the perfect trade candidate. The six-time All-Star is in the final year of his contract and is playing for a Chicago Bulls team that missed the playoffs last season," Greg Swartz wrote.

An ESPN report detailed that DeRozan and the Bulls have engaged in preliminary discussions regarding a contract extension, although nothing has been finalized. This leaves the door open for DeRozan to explore other options and potentially make his way onto a title contender.

"There's no reason for DeRozan to continue to tie himself to a franchise that looks destined for another .500 finish this season with no Lonzo Ball and the same core of players returning. At age 34, DeRozan is running out of time to win a ring after falling short in all seven of his previous postseason runs. If he wants to win a title, it won't be in Chicago," Swartz added.

King of the 4th 👑@DeMar_DeRozan 📸 pic.twitter.com/mnShAk1KAH
— BullsMuse (@BullsMuse_) October 4, 2023

A win-win situation for DeRozan and the Bulls

Trading DeRozan would allow the Bulls to get value in return for their aging star while also giving him a chance to compete for an NBA championship. After all, he has the talent and experience to make a significant impact on any team that acquires him.

"Moving DeRozan to a championship contender is the best path forward for both parties. He's one of the easiest stars to match salaries with at $28.6 million in expiring money this season, and the Bulls could recoup the first-round pick (and then some) they still owe to the San Antonio Spurs (top-10 protected in 2025)," Swartz explained.

"The Bulls don't even necessarily need to rebuild after trading DeRozan, but moving him now would ensure he won't leave as an unrestricted free agent next summer and could help bring in some future draft picks or young talent."

Deebo 🤝 Dos@DeMar_DeRozan x @AyoDos_11 pic.twitter.com/WtilCP4Fv9
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 5, 2023