The Chicago Bulls and the Phoenix Suns have some big questions to answer this offseason, and they might have the solution to each other’s issues if they pay attention to their needs.
DeMar DeRozan and Deandre Ayton could be swapped this offseason as their teams are looking to renew their hopes following a disappointing 2022-23 NBA season.
“A more likely swap for the Suns and Bulls would center on sending out Ayton for DeMar DeRozan,” Heavy’s Sean Deveney wrote. “The Bulls have not shopped their star wing, but that could be coming, considering he is 33 and heading into the final year of his contract. Chicago, according to league sources, is open to reshaping its roster with guard Zach LaVine as the clear No. 1 go-to option.”
The Chicago Bulls couldn’t make it past the play-in tournament, losing to the Miami Heat in the second game of this mini-tournament. DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine couldn’t get the job done and fell short against a team that is now one game away from the Eastern Conference Finals.
As for the Suns, they had a better season, but considering the expectations around this team, a second-round exit at the hands of the Denver Nuggets is anything but good. Devin Booker and Kevin Durant have taken a lot of criticism during this series, and Ayton wasn’t an exception.
Deandre Ayton Expected To Be Aggressively Shopped Around The NBA
The big man is unofficially on the trade block now, as the Suns will aggressively try to move him away. Ayton remains one of the best players in his position in the league, and the market will be full of candidates for him.
Perhaps the Bulls can take this risk and land Ayton, as they plan to make LaVine the alpha dog. However, it remains to be seen if DeRozan is a person of interest for the Suns. They could have a terrific Big 3 with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, but just like these two, DeRozan has a reputation for disappearing in the postseason.
