Is Demar DeRozan Heading to Grizzlies? Exploring 6x NBA All-Star’s Possible Trade to Memphis Amid Rumored Bulls Fallout

The Chicago Bulls have had a horrid start to the 2023-24 season. For a franchise with ambitions of a deep playoff run, Windy City’s beloved are languishing near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. At this point in time, this Bulls roster might achieve a play-in spot at best. But, their hierarchy has been bullish about this roster’s potential. Terrible luck and untimely injuries have contributed to Chicago’s woes.

However, the writing is on the wall for the ‘Windy City’. They need to trade their high-value assets to stand any chance of being good in the future. Some franchises have declared an interest in DeMar DeRozan, however, his potential trade to the Grizzlies might benefit all concerned parties.

Is DeRozan’s trade to Memphis a good idea?

The Chicago Bulls need to start rebuilding, as their bid to make it to the playoffs seems improbable. The Bulls currently occupy the 13th spot in the Eastern Conference standings, with 7 wins and 14 losses. Teams like Wizards, Pistons, and Spurs are the ones who have lost more than they won and are looking to pick up the pieces, rebuilding themselves. Their future also doesn’t look promising, as they have traded most of their future first-round draft picks.

In order to recuperate more picks, the Bulls would have to trade their high-value assets like DeRozan, LaVine, Alex Caruso, and Vucevic. A probable destination for DeRozan can be Memphis. The Grizzlies have struggled to cope with the absence of franchise cornerstone Ja Morant.

In fact, Keith Smith of Spotrac suggested that the Bulls trade away DeRozan and Carter in exchange for Brandon Clarke, Luke Kennard, and a first-round pick from the Grizzlies. This trade makes sense for all parties concerned, as the Bulls get a good young player in Clarke, a first-round pick, and Kennard, who could be traded for further draft capital.

What will DeRozan add to the struggling Grizzlies?

The Grizzlies possess an exceptionally talented young core. Players like Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane, and Ja Morant are all under 25. However, they have struggled this season due to the absence of Ja Morant. Without Morant, Memphis has secured victories in only five out of their 19 matches.

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The problem lies in their lack of a consistent scorer. Bane has stepped up in Ja’s absence, but he needs help and DeRozan would provide just that. DeRozan has averaged 21.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game this season. He can also compete for a title with the Grizzlies. The same can’t be said if he stays put in Chicago. Would the trade work out? Let us know in the comments below!

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