Grade the trade: Lakers add third superstar in proposed package

Lakers trade for DeMar DeRozan in proposed trade package with Bulls

Hughes pitches the idea that the Los Angeles Lakers could finally bring in a long-rumored target in DeMar DeRozan, who at several points in his career looked like he was on his way to Los Angeles. Here is the proposed trade package to get DeRozan in the purple and gold:

Before diving into any grades for either team, it is worth breaking down the validity of this trade and whether or not it actually makes sense in the realm of possibility. This trade does work money-wise and even after making this deal, the Lakers would have the ability to bring back Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura in restricted free agency.

The Lakers would likely have to sacrifice the non-taxpayers MLE as the team could creep just over the tax depending on how much Reaves and Hachimura cost. But even if that happens, the team will just barely be over the tax and can still use the bi-annual exception and the taxpayers MLE.

DeRozan’s contract is not that large as it checks in at $28.6 million for next season. Los Angeles would still have just over $12 million in cap space and $40 million in luxury tax space, which is the more important number.

Could the Bulls actually trade DeRozan, though? Maybe. It is probably better for the Bulls to trade DeRozan and the other assets on the team so Chicago could actually commit to the future of the franchise. Instead, the team is wading in mediocrity where they are too good to tank but not good enough to actually contend.

With the Bulls expected to re-sign Nikola Vucevic, trading DeRozan is even less likely this offseason. However, it could still happen if he demands his way out and definitely could happen at the trade deadline if the season isn’t going well. Let’s dive into some grades.