Yossi Gozlan, NBA Salary Cap Expert and Author for HoopsHype and USA Today, has just released his latest wave of potential replacements for James Harden in Philadelphia. As an author who writes primarily about “teams in relation to their salary cap,” Gozlan’s trade proposals are scenarios that would fit into the cap space concerns of both sides. With Harden’s departure to the Los Angeles Clippers and the 76ers chasing the new-look Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics, it’s no secret that they’ll be actively looking for a third star to compliment Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. Two of the seven candidates that Gozlan lists are Chicago Bulls, and both DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine have been the center of trade buzz for several months. Will Chicago’s hand be forced if they fail to make significant strides this season, or will it be another quiet year at the deadline for Arturas Karnisovas and company?
While the jury is still out on many parts of LaVine’s game, his scoring has undoubtedly been among the best in the league for quite some time. On pace for his sixth straight season of over 23 points per game with more than 17 shot attempts per contest, his ability to put the ball in the basket is undeniable. In Chicago, he’s demanded to do much more than score, however, and it has led to a sub-.500 career record with the Bulls and only one lone playoff win to show for his efforts. If he’s dealt somewhere where his job is diminished to only scoring, with more off-ball opportunities, his efficiency would rise, and the success of the team would be less dependent on the inconsistencies of his limited skillset as a player.
Philadelphia is an exciting destination for LaVine, who would go from the first option to the third fiddle behind Embiid and Maxey. Each averaging over six assists per game this year, Maxey and Embiid would have a floor-spacing three-point threat alongside their pick-and-roll game to stretch defenses further.
DeMar DeRozan will give any team he’s traded to an instant jolt in scoring, veteran leadership, and experience. Soon to be the NBA’s 38th all-time leading scorer alongside his three-time All-NBA selections, adding in seven playoff appearances throughout his career, DeRozan’s resume speaks for itself. The problem with teams trading for the 34-year-old forward is the finances. Headed toward free agency this summer, he’ll likely demand a lucrative contract given his three-year revival in Chicago, including two All-Star appearances and an All-NBA selection. It’s been reported that he and the Bulls are not eye-to-eye on their extension numbers and that DeRozan will likely be headed elsewhere after this season.
The most intriguing part of HoopsHype’s article detailing potential trades was that the 76ers could acquire both Bulls’ stars without dipping into the luxury tax. This is important because it means that trade is not only plausible from a logical standpoint but it’s also possible from a financial one. By including Tobias Harris in the deal with Chicago, Philadelphia could absorb DeRozan’s expiring deal and LaVine’s lucrative long-term contract to create a third Eastern Conference powerhouse.
“DeRozan’s $28.6 million salary is simple for the Sixers to match on its own with a combination of the expiring contract they got from the Clippers. In fact, they have enough expirings to acquire both DeRozan and LaVine while being able to duck the luxury tax. However, it’s unclear if all the tradeable pieces from the Sixers draft chest will be enough value to acquire both players.”
via Yossi Gozlan of HoopsHype
If Chicago’s destined for a second consecutive playoff absence, a pending free-agent in DeRozan, and little-to-no draft capital to rebuild, should they consider an overhaul while still obtaining value for these assets? Similar to Portland’s decision this summer, a full-blown attack of young players and draft stock may be the best option if the Bulls find themselves out of the playoff picture nearing the trade deadline, and teams like Philadelphia are calling to re-insert themselves in the Eastern Conference race. It’s estimated that Chicago would obtain the entire James Harden package from the 76ers, in addition to Tobias Harris and more draft stock.
