Lakers proposal lands DeMar DeRozan in Bulls sign-and-trade
The Los Angeles Lakers are under significant pressure to bolster their roster around LeBron James and Anthony Davis in pursuit of their 18th NBA championship. Their plans to secure top free agents were dealt a blow with Klay Thompson opting for a sign-and-trade to the Dallas Mavericks, leaving the Lakers in a challenging position.
However, one standout option remains available in the free-agent market: DeMar DeRozan. Despite not being known for three-point shooting, DeRozan is a prolific scorer, averaging 24 points and 5.3 assists per game while shooting 48% for the Chicago Bulls last season. Reports suggest DeRozan’s dissatisfaction with the Bulls’ recent trade moves involving Alex Caruso and Josh Giddey may prompt his departure, potentially opening the door for a move to the Lakers.
Yet, the Lakers’ salary cap constraints complicate matters. DeRozan would need to accept a significant pay cut from his previous $28.6 million salary or require the Bulls to engage in a sign-and-trade for a more lucrative long-term contract. To facilitate this, the Lakers propose a trade offer to the Bulls:
In exchange for DeRozan, the Lakers offer D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Maxwell Lewis, and two second-round picks. This deal is contingent on the Lakers managing their cap situation carefully, particularly concerning LeBron James’ impending contract, which could potentially exceed $50 million next season. To stay within the league’s financial rules, the Lakers must also utilize their non-taxpayer mid-level exception judiciously, staying under the $178.13 million first tax apron threshold.
Rui Hachimura’s $17 million salary might need to be included in the trade to maintain compliance with these regulations, despite his value as a scoring wing with defensive capabilities. Alternatively, the Lakers could explore trading Gabe Vincent or Christian Wood to further alleviate their cap burden. These moves are crucial as the Lakers aim to finalize their roster for the upcoming season, which also includes signing rookies Dalton Knecht and Bronny James.
The Bulls, on their end, might push for additional assets like Jalen Hood-Schifino or a future first-round pick, but the Lakers are keen on retaining their future draft picks. Instead, they offer Maxwell Lewis, a recent second-round selection, to sweeten the deal.
In summary, as the Lakers navigate the complexities of the NBA salary cap, their pursuit of DeMar DeRozan underscores their determination to strengthen their championship aspirations. The outcome hinges on delicate negotiations and strategic maneuvers to balance their roster effectively while adhering to league financial regulations.