This Clippers-Bulls trade proposal sends DeMar DeRozan to Los Angeles

Legendary Chicago Bulls writer Sam Smith of NBA.com received a trade idea from a fan that he thought was “reasonable.” The trade featured the Bulls trading DeMar DeRozan and Andre Drummond to the Los Angeles Clippers for Robert Covington, Marcus Morris, Amir Coffey and two future draft picks.

DeRozan was born and raised in California and the six-time All-Star met with the Clippers in the summer of 2021 before ultimately joining the Bulls.

“You make a reasonable case,” Smith wrote. “So how did you get my email? Drummond has that player option and says he’ll opt-in; is that why? Does he know something? While I get DeRozan suggestions, I know it’s more for the uncertainty with a year left on his contract, as you note, and fondness for playing in LA. The Bulls do need some size on the front line and some depth, so there is appeal. I always liked to have a Morris around for the toughness, though he did have a rough season.

“But they are one-year deals, so there’s not long-term risk. Worth thinking about, and the Bulls do need to start building some draft capital.”

DeRozan is one of the top players in the NBA. The All-NBA guard averaged 24.5 points, 4.6 rebounds and 5.1 assists for the Bulls this season while shooting 50.4% from the field, 32.4% from beyond the arc and 87.2% from the free-throw line.

A future Hall of Famer, DeRozan has career averages of 21.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists with the Toronto Raptors, San Antonio Spurs, and Bulls. Clippers stars Paul George and Kawhi Leonard both have rapports with DeRozan so that Big 3 could work under head coach Tyronn Lue.

The Bulls missed the playoffs this season, while the Clippers lost to the Phoenix Suns in the first round in five games.