How the New York Knicks Trade For Chicago Bulls' DeMar DeRozan

DeMar DeRozan could linger among the New York Knicks' realistic trade targets if his Chicago Bulls continue to falter.

While many are counting down to Christmas, some NBA front offices are targeting Dec. 15: the first day that offseason acquisitions can be traded, which will only add to the rumor mill leading up to February's transactional deadline.

With that in mind, Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report envisioned trades for potential talents on the move. The New York Knicks are involved in one such hypothetical deal, obtaining Chicago Bulls guard DeMar DeRozan for Evan Fournier, Quentin Grimes, Miles McBride, a 2025 first-round pick (top-four protected, from Milwaukee)) and a 2024 second-round pick (from Detroit).

DeRozan (11) drives against RJ Barrett in a 2022 game / Andy Marlin, USA TODAY SPORTS

"The Knicks keep scanning the market for a star, but it's possible this trade market never offers up true top-shelf talent," Buckley writes. "If it doesn't, New York could pivot to a second-tier target like DeRozan, who could upgrade this attack without costing a mountain of assets. He's a proven scorer with a knack for coming up big in the clutch, and he's a rock-solid option as a secondary playmaker."

For the Knicks (12-9), it's becoming a matter of when, not if, when it comes to making a big, flashy trade. But is DeRozan the answer to their pursuit?

DeRozan, 34, isn't quite in his prime, but he's still averaging 21.4 points per game this season for the Bulls (9-14), who seemed destined to sell come the deadline. That's only a few points more than current starter RJ Barrett, who would certainly take a step back in his role if DeRozan came to New York.

Should New York Knicks Reconsider Trading for a Star?

Since the Bulls acquired DeRozan, they've failed to make any significant postseason noise and are coming off a 10th-place finish in the East that ended in last year's Play-In Tournament. DeRozan is set to be an unrestricted free agent after this season.

DeRozan and the Bulls are set to visit Madison Square Garden on Jan. 3. In the meantime, the Knicks will face the Toronto Raptors on Monday night at home (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG).