NBA Exec Reveals Major Trade Prediction For Bulls

An NBA executive told NBA Analysis Network that he thinks the Chicago Bulls will trade DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine next season. DeRozan is in the final year of his contract, while the Bulls have engaged several teams on LaVine trade opportunities since the 2022-23 season ended.

“This team is destined to flop once again this season,” the NBA exec said. “I believe there’s a good chance both DeRozan and LaVine are gone by the trade deadline.”

The Bulls missed the playoffs last season after making it in 2022, which is why some NBA execs believe the franchise could embark on a rebuild in 2023-24 if the team struggles. DeRozan and LaVine are the best trade pieces Chicago has.

LaVine averaged 24.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists for the Bulls last season. The two-time NBA Slam Dunk Champion will make $40 million next season after signing a five-year, $215.2 million contract in July 2022. Meanwhile, DeRozan averaged 24.5 points, 4.6 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 2022-23. The future Hall of Famer will make $28.6 million next season. He signed a three-year, $85 million contract with the Bulls in August 2021.

LaVine has appeared in 348 games with the Bulls. He’s averaging 24.5 points with Chicago and has made two NBA All-Star teams. However, the Bulls have won only one playoff game since acquiring LaVine from the Minnesota Timberwolves in the summer of 2017 in the blockbuster Jimmy Butler trade.

The Bulls are 80-70 with DeRozan in the lineup. They acquired the former Toronto Raptors star in the summer of 2021 in a sign-and-trade deal with the San Antonio Spurs. DeRozan is averaging 26.2 points in 150 games with Chicago while making two NBA All-Star teams.