The struggling Bulls might have to set their sights on the 2024 NBA trade deadline sooner than intended.
Chicago (6–14) likely will have plenty of trade suitors for six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan, who is averaging 21.3 points this season and can become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
If the Bulls do trade DeRozan, the 34-year-old reportedly prefers to be moved to the Heat or Knicks, per The Athletic’s Sam Amick.
Both Miami and New York are currently in the top six of the Eastern Conference and plan to be competing for a playoff spot when the trade deadline rolls around in February.
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DeRozan is among a couple of intriguing trade options for the Bulls to consider, as the team also might look to deal guards Zach LaVine and Alex Caruso.
Chicago reportedly wants to trade LaVine before making a deal involving DeRozan or Caruso, per NBC Sports Chicago's K.C. Johnson, but LaVine’s hefty contract that runs through the 2026-27 season might prove difficult to move.