Former Toronto Raptors franchise face and Chicago Bulls All-Star DeMar DeRozan is currently slated to enter free agency next week.
But in an ideal world for the Bulls, DeMar DeRozan would agree to a sign-and-trade move if an extension is not on the table. With the Bulls needing to begin a rebuild soon, it feels unlikely that DeRozan will return.
With DeRozan entering his age-35 season, one can only assume that he’d prefer to play for a championship contender at this phase of his career.
Fran Leiva of Fadeaway World proposed a blockbuster trade idea that has Chicago trading DeMar DeRozan to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Norman Powell and Terance Mann:
“For the Clippers, snagging DeRozan would mean adding another All-Star caliber player to their mix with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. DeRozan’s knack for creating his own shot and setting up others would be clutch in tight playoff games. His experience and leadership could push the Clippers closer to that elusive championship.
Sure, the Clippers would lose Powell and Mann, two solid rotation guys, but the upside of adding DeRozan’s firepower and veteran presence is hard to ignore. This move would show that the Clippers are all in on making the most of their current championship window with Leonard and George.”
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The Clippers acquired James Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers, hoping he would be the final piece needed to win a title with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. That move didn’t pan out as hoped, as the Clippers were dispatched by the Dallas Mavericks in the opening round of the playoffs.
George could also enter free agency if he declines his $48.8 million player option. But if the Clippers convince him to stay, then it makes sense to add another big-time scorer like DeRozan that could help LA get over the hump once and for all.
DeMar DeRozan Would Be The Perfect Acquisition For Clippers
DeRozan hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down, as he averaged 24.0 points (the fourth-best mark of his career) and 5.3 assists per game.
One knock against DeRozan is his defense, but the Clippers can live with that since they have two of the best defensive players of this era in Leonard and George. What those two need is a third big-time scorer, and DeRozan would easily fit the bill.
Both Leonard and George are in their mid-30s, so the Clippers’ window to win is now. DeRozan may be getting up there in age, but he just might be the last piece required to help this perenially underachieving team finally break through with a championship.
