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After a 5-14 start, the Chicago Bulls have started to play much better. They have been 13-8 since then and are getting healthier with the returns of Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic. The Bulls hold an 18-22 record, which puts them in the ninth spot in the Eastern Conference.
The Bulls made the Play-In Tournament when they finished with a 40-42 record last season. Most NBA observers believe that if they don’t make changes before next month’s trade deadline, they’re headed that way again.
Chicago is currently four games behind the Orlando Magic (21-17). The Brooklyn Nets (16-22), Atlanta Hawks (15-22) and Toronto Raptors (15-24) are within striking distance of the Bulls and could even overtake them if they can go on a winning-run.
With Feb. 8 drawing near, the Chicago Bulls might pull the trigger on a couple of trades.
Trade scenarios the Chicago Bulls could pull before trade deadline
#5. DeMar DeRozan to Detroit Pistons
The reeling Detroit Pistons are reportedly looking for a veteran who can create shots and help lead the team. DeMar DeRozan could be the answer to that problem. The Chicago Bulls could ask for Killian Hayes, Joe Harris and a first-round pick.
DeRozan would help Cade Cunningham. The only drawback is if “Deebo” doesn’t want to re-sign for a rebuilding team. If the Pistons are looking for some immediate help, the six-time All-Star fits the bill.
#4. DeMar DeRozan to Miami Heat
DeRozan is in the final of a three-year $85 million contract he signed in 2021. He would be an ideal third option in a contending team.
The Bulls could send him to the Miami Heat for Duncan Robinson, Caleb Martin and a 2024 first-round pick. Robinson has been playing well this season and will add more spacing to a team that is 20th in the NBA in 3-point percentage. Martin will add wing depth while the draft asset will be a big plus to Chicago’s future.
DeRozan would certainly bolster a team that reached last year’s NBA Finals.
#3. DeMar DeRozan to Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic are eighth in the Eastern Conference with a 21-17 record. Orlando’s young core of Paolo Banchero, Fran Wagner and Cole Anthony will need some veteran help if they reach the playoffs.
The Magic also have a surplus in their frontcourt with Wendell Carter Jr. the former Bull likely one to be the first to go out. Chicago could get him together with Jalen Suggs and a first-round pick for DeMar DeRozan.
Andre Drummond becomes an unrestricted free agent and is reportedly unlikely to return. Carter Jr. could take his spot. Suggs will take over DeRozan’s spot in Chicago’s roster while the pick will be coveted by coach Billy Donovan.
#2. Zach LaVine to LA Lakers
The LA Lakers are unquestionably in a win-now mode with LeBron James having a player option next season. They may have to pull out all the stops to get another proven scorer on the roster. The Chicago Bulls might accommodate them by trading Zach LaVine.
LaVine has always wanted to play for the Lakers and hooping alongside LeBron James will be a dream come true. LA will have to pay the price as well. The Bulls could get Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent in the deal.
Reaves' arrival would mean that DeMar DeRozan could also be on his way out of Chicago.
#1. Zach LaVine and Alex Caruso to Sacramento Kings in 3-team deal
The Sacramento Kings are rumored to be seriously looking at LaVine. To pull the deal off, another team might be needed to complete it. The Golden State Warriors could benefit by getting involved in the scenario.
The Bulls would get Andrew Wiggins, Kevin Huerter and a 2026 lottery-protected first-round pick. Sacramento gets LaVine, the star they reportedly covet while the Warriors get a familiar face in Harrison Barnes and Alex Caruso.
Shedding LaVine’s contract alone should be worth the deal for the Chicago Bulls. Wiggins can help coming off the bench while the first-round pick will always be quite the prize.
Conversely, the Warriors would get a much-needed boost on the defensive end with Barnes and Caruso.
