The Chicago Bulls and DeMar DeRozan are likely to part ways this summer, with the Sacramento Kings emerging as a probable destination for the six-time All-Star.
Sacramento Kings Radio reporter Sean Cunningham has reported “mutual interest” between DeRozan and the Kings.
“They’re a dark horse to get DeRozan,” said ESPN’s Marc Spears. “I want to see the Kings make some moves and get back to the postseason. The Kings will get back to the postseason next year. They have a move coming soon.”
James Ham of The Kings Beat reported a potential sign-and-trade deal to bring DeRozan to the Kings. “League sources confirm that the Kings and Bulls have discussed a potential sign-and-trade for DeMar DeRozan,” Ham tweeted. “A third team is required and is already lined up, but there is competition for DeRozan’s services.”
DeRozan, who just finished his 15th season and third with Chicago, averaged 24 points, 5.3 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 79 games last season.
ESPN radio host Damien Barling added that teams are waiting for DeRozan’s decision. “After speaking to several sources over the past 24 hours, I’m told there is ‘mutual interest’ between DeMar DeRozan and the Sacramento Kings,” Cunningham tweeted on July 5.
Spears was the first to report the Kings’ interest in DeRozan. “Everything is in place for the Kings to pull this off,” Barling tweeted. “DeMar just needs to say yes.”
Ham noted competition for DeRozan, likely referring to the LA Clippers, who are interested following Paul George’s exit. K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports mentioned the Clippers as a potential destination if George left for the Philadelphia 76ers.
DeRozan, originally from California, could return home, but mainly to the Clippers, as his talks with the Los Angeles Lakers are “frozen,” according to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report.
Haynes stated on the “#ThisLeague Uncut Podcast” that the situation with the Lakers is “frozen.”
The decision between the two California teams now rests with DeRozan.
Without details on the third team, it’s uncertain what the Bulls could receive in a trade. If the Kings are involved, Harrison Barnes and Kevin Huerter, along with draft picks, are likely options. Barnes, under contract for two more seasons at $18 and $19 million annually, averaged 12.2 points last season. Huerter, under contract for $16.8 and $17.9 million over the next two years, averaged 10.2 points on 36% three-point shooting last season.
These players could provide the Bulls with further trade assets. Admitting the loss of a player like DeRozan is difficult, but maximizing the return could lessen the blow.
