Trade rumours are intensifying as the NBA Draft approaches and free agency looms on June 30. One significant trade has already occurred, with the Chicago Bulls sending Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Josh Giddey. However, more substantial deals are anticipated in the coming days.
Bulls and DeRozan Extension Stalled
The Chicago Bulls are reportedly facing difficulties in extending DeMar DeRozan’s contract. After trading All-Defensive guard Alex Caruso to the Thunder for Josh Giddey, the Bulls might see further changes. According to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago, there is “little momentum” on a new deal for DeRozan. If an agreement isn’t reached, DeRozan could become an unrestricted free agent and explore other opportunities.
DeRozan has expressed a desire to stay in Chicago, but if he leaves without compensation, it would reflect poorly on the Bulls, who could have traded him earlier. A potential solution could be a sign-and-trade deal if DeRozan decides to move elsewhere, although this approach is complex.
Bulls’ VP of Basketball Operations, Arturas Karnisovas, indicated that changes were necessary, which might include moving on from DeRozan. Despite being older than Zach LaVine, DeRozan has been more reliable over the past two seasons and could significantly benefit a championship contender. Given the lacklustre trade market for LaVine, a sign-and-trade for DeRozan might yield better returns for Chicago.
Jazz Targeting Mikal Bridges
According to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, the Utah Jazz have shown interest in acquiring Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets, adding their name to a list that includes the Houston Rockets and New York Knicks. The Nets have consistently turned down offers for Bridges, preferring to build around him, despite this possibly not being their best strategic move.
For the Jazz, targeting Bridges signals a desire to compete rather than rebuild. They have assets like Jordan Clarkson and John Collins that could be offered to Brooklyn. However, Utah’s hopes may not materialize unless the Nets change their stance.
Pistons Interested in Tim Hardaway Jr.
NBA, The Detroit Pistons have emerged as a potential trade partner for the Dallas Mavericks, who have been seeking to offload Tim Hardaway Jr. Hardaway has an expiring contract worth $16.2 million for the next season, making it more appealing for trade now. According to Marc Stein, the Pistons, with an estimated $64 million in cap space, could take on Hardaway’s contract. In return, the Mavericks would receive guard Quentin Grimes, a promising young player. This trade would primarily be a salary dump for Dallas, allowing them to re-sign Derrick Jones Jr. by freeing up more of their mid-level exception.
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