When DeMar DeRozan joined the Bulls in the summer of 2021, nobody expected him to take a massive leap this late in his career. In his first season with the Bulls, DeRozan averaged a career-high nearly 28 points per game at the age of 32. The honeymoon phase was quickly over when DeRozan’s averages took a nosedive down to 20.8 points per game in the playoffs. With the Bulls’ slow start to the season with an aging roster, naturally, the rumor mill is on fire with mock trades either sending Kevin Durant to Chicago or the Bulls tanking. The latter of the two spectrums seems to be more realistic.

“[DeMAR] DeRozan would net the most return because if a team is trading for him, they have control for the season after this one, acquire his Bird rights and obviously would be doing so for a title push.” SAID KC JOHNSON VIA MAILBAG

Three Trade Packages for DeMar DeRozan

If the Bulls management decides to choose the path of the previous regime by tanking, DeMar DeRozan will net the most value in return, as KC Johnson suggested in his most recent mailbag. At 33, DeRozan is on the tail-end of his prime. If a team decides to trade for him today, they must be a championship-contending team with a massive haul of draft picks. Lucky for the Bulls, a few desperate teams are willing to jeopardize their future for a title run.

Nuggets Go All-In For DeRozan

The Denver Nuggets have tweaked the roster built around Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray the past few seasons. Finally with the roster relavtiley healthy compared to the past few seasons, the Nuggets can make one last push for a title run as their window is closing quicker than expected.

The risk/reward on acquiring a player like Michael Porter Jr. is tremendously high. Porter Jr. is only 24 years-old but his x-rays of his back might suggest he’s at least 30 years older. He’s in his first year of his massive five-year deal worth up to $180 million. The risk is the Bulls acquire a player who can miss at least 20 games a season, which is very possible. On the other hand, the reason he received that contract is because of his raw talent. The Bulls can swoop in and grab Porter Jr. at fair market value and watch his stock rise every single year.

Bulls Trade: DeMar DeRozan & Coby White

Nuggets Trade: Michael Porter Jr., 2024 & 2026 Top 10 Protected picks

The Lakers Repeat History

The Lakers championship window is shut completely, possibly even shattered. However, their playoff hopes are still hanging by a thread since they do have a talented top heavy team. By mortgaing their future once again, they could make the same mistake the Nets did many years ago by giving up future unprotected picks for aging stars.

Bulls Trade: DeMar DeRozan & Nikola Vucevic

Lakers Trade: Russell Westbrook, 2027 & 2029 unprotected first-round picks

Dallas Mavericks Get Desperate

Dallas has an infamous track record for not landing any major stars in free agency. In fact, all of their talented players on the roster have either been traded to the team or were drafted by the team. They can add DeMar DeRozan to that list as well as they are desperate to find Luka Doncic help. Both players are best suited in the half-court setting. This could be one of the toughest duos to beat in the playoffs.

Bulls Trade: DeMar DeRozan

Mavericks Trade: Tim Hardaway Jr., Josh Green, 2024 & 2026 Top 10 Protected picks