Wiz of Awes
Fansided

4 trades using the 8th pick to make the Wizards a contender

By Cem Yolbulan

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 25: Jonathan Kuminga #00 and Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after Kuminga slam dunked and was fouled on the play against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half of an NBA game at Chase Center on January 25, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 25: Jonathan Kuminga #00 and Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after Kuminga slam dunked and was fouled on the play against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half of an NBA game at Chase Center on January 25, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Andrew Lahodynskyj/Getty Images)
(Photo by Andrew Lahodynskyj/Getty Images) /

Bulls receive: Monte Morris, Deni Avdija, Johnny Davis, the no.8 pick

Wizards receive: Demar DeRozan

Demar DeRozan, a six-time All-Star and a three-time All-NBA selection would immediately be the best offensive player on the Wizards. Despite being 33 years old, DeRozan is playing the best basketball of his career since he joined the Chicago Bulls two offseasons ago. He is a mid-range master with improved three-point shooting and passing. He doesn’t miss many games, he is consistent, reliable, and a very good leader whose voice should resonate in the locker room. He and Bradley Beal as a one-two scoring punch would be very difficult to stop.

He is also on a reasonable salary, making $28.6 million for the 2023-24 season. His contract expires after the next season but the Wizards should be able to retain him if they choose to do so.

For this trade to go through, the Bulls need to decide to change course and rebuild. Considering Lonzo Ball’s career-threatening injury, Nikola Vucevic’s expiring contract, and the underwhelming season that saw them miss the playoffs, this probability is not far-fetched.

Getting the 8th-pick, the expiring contract of Monte Morris, Deni Avdija, and two flyers in Johnny Davis and Isaiah Todd is a great way to start a rebuild, especially considering the possibility of losing DeRozan for nothing next summer anyways. Since the Bulls owe their first-rounder to the Orlando Magic in this year’s draft, getting a lottery pick to be able to draft a prospect they like in this year’s class should be of huge interest to them.

This is a clear win-win if DeRozan maintains his All-NBA level play of the past few seasons.

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