If the Chicago Bulls want to be a serious playoff threat in the Eastern Conference next season, they need to make some big changes. And while that may be the direction Arturas Karnisovas is determined to go in, it may be beneficial for the Bulls to explore potential teardown moves.
With DeMar DeRozan heading into the final year of his contract, trading him now for some sort of value could be a good idea. Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times believes Chicago should call up a team they made a blockbuster trade with just two years ago – the Orlando Magic. There could be a deal to be made.
Cowley suggested a trade that would send DeRozan and Patrick Williams to the Magic in exchange for some young assets, some role players, and a draft pick.
Chicago Bulls mock trade sends DeMar DeRozan, Patrick Williams: The trade
Here’s the full outline of Cowley’s suggested trade:
Magic receive: DeMar DeRozan, Patrick Williams
Bulls receive: Jalen Suggs, Gary Harris, Jonathan Isaac, 11th pick in 2023 NBA Draft
Chicago Bulls mock trade sends DeMar DeRozan, Patrick Williams: Magic's perspective
For the Magic, Cowley believes this deal would provide them with a great veteran to help mentor their young core.
“First, the Magic have all kinds of young talent,” Cowley wrote. “What they don’t have is an adult in the room. Ask the Grizzlies what it’s like to be young and talented but unsupervised. There is no better vet for younger players than DeRozan. He doesn’t just act like he cares about them improving; he shows it. It also gives the Magic an available forward in Williams who can spread the floor.”
Chicago Bulls mock trade sends DeMar DeRozan, Patrick Williams: Bulls' perspective
Meanwhile, Cowley thinks a trade like this would give Chicago a great new mix of talent to work with moving forward.
“The Bulls get back an untapped defensive-minded point guard in Suggs, who has been misused in Orlando,” Cowley wrote. “LaVine has some obvious flaws, and Suggs covers them up.
“Harris is a sneaky-good three-point shooter and defender, while Isaac is a major gamble because of his injury history. But if the knee problems are finally behind the onetime Florida State standout, the Bulls suddenly have a real rim protector to help Vucevic.
“The Bulls then take that pick and look to select a Gradey Dick or Taylor Hendricks to add to the frontcourt.”
Chicago Bulls mock trade sends DeMar DeRozan, Patrick Williams: Should the Bulls make this trade?
Giving up on Williams may seem tough, but getting Suggs and a top-14 draft pick would be well worth it. Adding Harris and Isaac to the roster would be a bonus.
It seems like the Bulls will be keeping DeRozan heading into next year, but a trade like this one is the perfect example of a trade that would see Chicago capitalize on his value.
