DeMar DeRozan Close To Finding New Home in Sign-and-Trade Scenario
By Cem Yolbulan
The Chicago Bulls are in the midst of an offseason of change. The front office and the ownership have seemingly accepted reality to some extent as they are trying to retool the roster by getting younger.
One of the biggest pieces of Chicago's offseason agenda was DeMar DeRozan. Now an unrestricted free agent, whether the Bulls would re-sign the 34-year-old, or let him walk was an important question in front of GM Arturas Karnisovas.
The Bulls have decided to move on from the All-Star forward. The issue, however, is the fact that there aren't enough teams with cap space out there who can give DeRozan the contract he desires. Therefore, wherever he signs, it has to be a sign-and-trade scenario involving the Chicago Bulls.
According to the latest report by two Kings insiders James Ham and Sean Cunningham, Sacramento is close to finalizing the deal to bring DeRozan in.
NBA News: DeMar DeRozan Close to Heading to Sacramento
League sources confirm that Kings and Bulls have discussed a potential sign and trade for DeMar DeRozan. Trade requires a third team, which is lined up, but there is competition for DeRozan's services.
— James Ham (@James_HamNBA) July 6, 2024
After speaking to several sources over the past 24 hours, I'm told there is "mutual interest" between DeMar DeRozan and the Sacramento Kings.
— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) July 6, 2024
The 34-year-old, 6x All-Star led the NBA in minutes played & 4th quarter scoring last season in Chicago.
There is reportedly a mutual interest between the sides and the Bulls and the Kings already have a third team lined up to execute the trade.
What the Bulls will receive as part of this trade will depend on the type of contract DeRozan signs in Sacramento. The Kings will presumably have to part ways with Harrison Barnes or Kevin Huerter to make the salaries match. Chicago could either just get one of those players or reroute them to a third team to get draft capital or more future-focused assets.
Getting a player in return would make the Bulls an expensive team for next season. It doesn't make too much sense for the ownership to pay the luxury tax and also limit their financial flexibility for a lottery team.
Whatever the Bulls get in return won't be too much. It's clear that Chicago should have traded DeRozan earlier and gotten better assets in return. However, nothing that the front office can do shocks Bulls fans at this point.
Update: According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, DeRozan is traveling to Sacramento to meet with the Kings over the weekend.
Sources: DeMar DeRozan is traveling to meet with the Kings in Sacramento this weekend. The Kings are in serious pursuit of the six-time All-Star, who has begun one-on-one conversations with various team personnel. pic.twitter.com/a6hroFmcxp
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 6, 2024
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