2024-25 NBA Thread: for the second time, somebody in Dallas hits low percentage shot that leads to a generation of conspiracy theories (124 Viewers)

[Craig_MiamiFL]

@thecatch I'm curious what you think of these rumors/reports about the Kings' interest in DeMar DeRozan. Assuming DeMar gets more than the MLE, the Kings seem like the only destination that might work out financially and logistically in a sign-and-trade. It's been reported that the Bulls have interest in Huerter so he could be most of the salary coming back. The problem with this for the Bulls, though, is they are only $13 million under the tax threshold and Huerter makes almost $17 million. A third team would probably have to be involved to dump some salary on.

If the Kings are actually interested, I'm sure that it is a backup plan at best. They might need Huerter and/or his salary for some of the other bigger trades they're looking at. Derozan would be an upgrade but not a massive one, I don't think. I suspect the rumors are probably coming from Derozan's camp trying to create some leverage to get one of the teams he'd actually like to play for (Lakers or Heat?) to do a sign and trade instead of just offering some version of the MLE.

DeRozan is definitely out for the Lakers. The only way the Lakers could use the TPMLE (which DeRozan says he doesn’t want anyway) or to do a S&T is if they’re capped at the first apron, which would have required LeBron to take a $25m haircut. That’s out the window now.

I don't think Miami makes much sense either. I don't think they have players available at the salaries the Bulls would accept so another team would have to be added and heavily involved in taking on salary. I also question DeMar's fit with Jimmy.

I guess that begs the question why someone would pay more than the MLE for him if he doesn’t have any market.

In that scenario, he might just take a one year deal and try again next year. Maybe 3/$60 (maybe with a team option for the last year) would be preferred to lock him up. I get your point though.

I guess this might actually be a thing? I’m still guessing that Derozan is using the Kings as leverage to get a better deal from another team, maybe the Clippers.

I don’t think the other teams can practically clear the salary for him. I think he’ll be a King.

But, what do I know? I’m often wrong.

I might be able to make the case this will help the team but this is probably the Kings’ Plan D and I’m sure Derozan didn’t circle Sacramento as a destination early in the process.

The Bulls weren't DeRozan's first choice last time either.

As far as other Kings plans, I like this one better than trading a zillion picks and stuff for the ability to extend a max contract for Ingram or Markkanen.

Id be just the opposite here. Id give the picks for either the much younger Ingram/Markkanen and extend the deals.

Ingram unquestionably had a down 2023-24.
I think you're taking a leap of faith he'll revert to previous form. Unquestionably a franchise cornerstone talent. You don't always get the franchise cornerstone effort. Which is a huge concern. One of the most effortless gifted offensive players I've seen.

DeRozan isn't a useful complimentary player. And why he's struggling for a big money deal. Good iso player but far too frequently bogs down an offense.

I don't think the Kings become a better team getting him (for Barnes & Huerter presumably in a S&T).

JMO Derozan's a 6th man on a good team. I don't like the Sabonis/DeRozan starting lineup mix at all

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Caleb Martin to sixers

Starting 5 looking good. They still need a PF who can defend and rebound.

I guess he plays the 4? They are waiving B-ball Paul?!

Yes, bball being waived. I think that Martin will play the 4 in some lineups, but they could use another 4. Markannen will slot in well.

 

[thecatch]

@thecatch I'm curious what you think of these rumors/reports about the Kings' interest in DeMar DeRozan. Assuming DeMar gets more than the MLE, the Kings seem like the only destination that might work out financially and logistically in a sign-and-trade. It's been reported that the Bulls have interest in Huerter so he could be most of the salary coming back. The problem with this for the Bulls, though, is they are only $13 million under the tax threshold and Huerter makes almost $17 million. A third team would probably have to be involved to dump some salary on.

If the Kings are actually interested, I'm sure that it is a backup plan at best. They might need Huerter and/or his salary for some of the other bigger trades they're looking at. Derozan would be an upgrade but not a massive one, I don't think. I suspect the rumors are probably coming from Derozan's camp trying to create some leverage to get one of the teams he'd actually like to play for (Lakers or Heat?) to do a sign and trade instead of just offering some version of the MLE.

DeRozan is definitely out for the Lakers. The only way the Lakers could use the TPMLE (which DeRozan says he doesn’t want anyway) or to do a S&T is if they’re capped at the first apron, which would have required LeBron to take a $25m haircut. That’s out the window now.

I don't think Miami makes much sense either. I don't think they have players available at the salaries the Bulls would accept so another team would have to be added and heavily involved in taking on salary. I also question DeMar's fit with Jimmy.

I guess that begs the question why someone would pay more than the MLE for him if he doesn’t have any market.

In that scenario, he might just take a one year deal and try again next year. Maybe 3/$60 (maybe with a team option for the last year) would be preferred to lock him up. I get your point though.

I guess this might actually be a thing? I’m still guessing that Derozan is using the Kings as leverage to get a better deal from another team, maybe the Clippers.

I don’t think the other teams can practically clear the salary for him. I think he’ll be a King.

But, what do I know? I’m often wrong.

I might be able to make the case this will help the team but this is probably the Kings’ Plan D and I’m sure Derozan didn’t circle Sacramento as a destination early in the process.

The Bulls weren't DeRozan's first choice last time either.

As far as other Kings plans, I like this one better than trading a zillion picks and stuff for the ability to extend a max contract for Ingram or Markkanen.

Id be just the opposite here. Id give the picks for either the much younger Ingram/Markkanen and extend the deals.

Ingram unquestionably had a down 2023-24.
I think you're taking a leap of faith he'll revert to previous form. Unquestionably a franchise cornerstone talent. You don't always get the franchise cornerstone effort. Which is a huge concern. One of the most effortless gifted offensive players I've seen.

DeRozan isn't a useful complimentary player. And why he's struggling for a big money deal. Good iso player but far too frequently bogs down an offense.

I don't think the Kings become a better team getting him (for Barnes & Huerter presumably in a S&T).

JMO Derozan's a 6th man on a good team. I don't like the Sabonis/DeRozan starting lineup mix at all

It would probably be for Huerter only. Huerter got into a shooting funk about a year and a half ago and has been pretty useless since. The Kings could use another on-ball creator and if Derozan can still do that at a high level, he's an upgrade there. But not a massive one, so it will be a terrible move unless the price is low.

 

[Capella]

Looking ahead, it's crazy we are about to see Curry suit up for USA for the Olympics for the first time ever.

Glad Embiid and Kawhi continue to be indestructible and able to play around the calendar.

Yea I assume we’ll get to it but we haven’t really talked about that incredible US Olympic team. Has a chance to be the best since 2008 and maybe even 92. Incredibly stacked.

 

[Moe.]

I wonder why they wasted a roster spot on Kawhi. There is a clip of him arriving at the hotel and he’s limping and using the suitcase as a makeshift cane. I cannot believe the Clippers gave him that extension.

 

[Juxtatarot]

Shams: "Sources: DeMar DeRozan is traveling to meet with the Kings in Sacramento this weekend. The Kings are in serious pursuit of the six-time All-Star, who has begun one-on-one conversations with various team personnel"

It's happening. Apparently the Spurs will be the 3rd team taking in salary.

 

[Jayrod]

Shams: "Sources: DeMar DeRozan is traveling to meet with the Kings in Sacramento this weekend. The Kings are in serious pursuit of the six-time All-Star, who has begun one-on-one conversations with various team personnel"

It's happening. Apparently the Spurs will be the 3rd team taking in salary.

I like the move for the Kings. Derozan can be an effective scorer with a lower volume than he was getting in Chicago. I think he had to shoot a lot in Chicago and he won't be asked to as much in Sacramento. He can come in as the 3rd option (although Sabonis is more effective as a facilitator) and become more efficient.

Problem there is Mike Brown. Not sure his X's & O's knowledge/ability is high enough to properly utilize this much offensive talent. That plus, they aren't getting any better defensively with DeRozan which was a problem already.

Still think it is a net plus move for the Kings depending on what they give up.

 

[Juxtatarot]

I like the move for the Kings. Derozan can be an effective scorer with a lower volume than he was getting in Chicago. I think he had to shoot a lot in Chicago and he won't be asked to as much in Sacramento. He can come in as the 3rd option (although Sabonis is more effective as a facilitator) and become more efficient.

Another thing with DeMar is he is a fantastic human being. Terrific mentor and role model for younger players and an excellent teammate.

He's also smart with his body and a bit of an ironman. He is aging gracefully. I think he'll still be, at least, decent by the end of the contract.

 

[Desert_Power]

Spurs send former Hornet Devonte Graham back to Charlotte along with a pick. He is going to be waived. Loving that this front office is using their salary space like this. If only someone can take Bridges off their hands...

 

[Desert_Power]

I like the move for the Kings. Derozan can be an effective scorer with a lower volume than he was getting in Chicago. I think he had to shoot a lot in Chicago and he won't be asked to as much in Sacramento. He can come in as the 3rd option (although Sabonis is more effective as a facilitator) and become more efficient.

Another thing with DeMar is he is a fantastic human being. Terrific mentor and role model for younger players and an excellent teammate.

He's also smart with his body and a bit of an ironman. He is aging gracefully. I think he'll still be, at least, decent by the end of the contract.

Definitely a guy worth pulling for, even if I don't think this is the best idea for the Kings.

 

[the moops]

Caleb Martin to sixers

Starting 5 looking good. They still need a PF who can defend and rebound.

Is it? Their top three is good, but Oubre and Martin are better 7th or 8th guys than top 5. Also Maxey/Oubre/Martin/PG is small

 

[thecatch]

Charlotte was bidding against who exactly for the right to pay Bridges 3/75??

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Poku and bball Paul waived on the same day. Our national curio treasures

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Charlotte was bidding against who exactly for the right to pay Bridges 3/75??

Detroit, presumably

Utah also has space and San Antonio could probably get close to that, though I don’t think there’s been much smoke with Utah and San Antonio is probably going to use their space to pick up a player from sac in the derozan deal

 

[msudaisy26]

Charlotte was bidding against who exactly for the right to pay Bridges 3/75??

California penitentiary league.

 

[ChicoCat]

Caleb Martin to sixers

Starting 5 looking good. They still need a PF who can defend and rebound.

Paging Mr. Simmons....Mr. Simmons, please report to the Wells Fargo Center.

 

[Capella]

Guys is Bronny James not good?

 

[Jayrod]

Guys is Bronny James not good?

He's no Brian Scalabrine.

 

[Frostillicus]

Guys is Bronny James not good?

I think he only got drafted because of who his dad is.

 

[Frostillicus]

Guys is Bronny James not good?

Nearly matching your college scoring average in your first summer league game is pretty impressive.

 

[Instinctive]

Charlotte was bidding against who exactly for the right to pay Bridges 3/75??

Not sure but a bargain at that price. 21/7/3 and solid on defense for $25M/yr? That'll be what like 15% of the cap, less by the end of the deal?

Distressed assets are how you find advantages in a capped league. Someone will trade for him by end of that deal for at least a first.

 

[Yo Mama]

Wow, the Klay to Dallas trade includes six teams. I’m not even going to try to list it all here. Must have been a pain with all the apron restrictions.

 

[Yo Mama]

Wow, the Klay to Dallas trade includes six teams. I’m not even going to try to list it all here. Must have been a pain with all the apron restrictions.

Here it is in all its glory:

x.com

x.com

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Derozan to Kings done. 3/76

Barnes and Duarte to spurs

2 seconds to Bulls

 

[Juxtatarot]

Derozan to Kings done. 3/76

Barnes and Duarte to spurs

2 seconds to Bulls

Bulls get Duarte.

Spurs also get an unprotected 2031 first round pick swap with Kings.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Sac only gave Barnes for Derozan. I don't think it makes them better with a healthy Fox/Sabonis. But he's definitely a better ball dominant shot maker than Barnes if Fox goes down

Bulls didnt get Huerter either who they easily could have spun elsewhere. I think he has more value to a team as a complimentary player than Derozan.

I think most NBA teams see this and why Derozan's struggled for interest with his iso / offense stopping game.

DeRozan gave a lot more than expected to Bulls. Time for both to move on. It's been looooooong time coming for the Bulls to rebuild.

 

[Capella]

Yea DeRozan is a real ball stopper. Seems like the opposite of Sac’s offense where I felt like the ball was always moving. Don’t get this one at all.

 

[Desert_Power]

Charlotte was bidding against who exactly for the right to pay Bridges 3/75??

Not sure but a bargain at that price. 21/7/3 and solid on defense for $25M/yr? That'll be what like 15% of the cap, less by the end of the deal?

Distressed assets are how you find advantages in a capped league. Someone will trade for him by end of that deal for at least a first.

That was my thought too. Definitely going to be traded at some point

 

[Kev4029]

Sac only gave Barnes for Derozan. I don't think it makes them better with a healthy Fox/Sabonis. But he's definitely a better ball dominant shot maker than Barnes if Fox goes down

Bulls didnt get Huerter either who they easily could have spun elsewhere. I think he has more value to a team as a complimentary player than Derozan.

I think most NBA teams see this and why Derozan's struggled for interest with his iso / offense stopping game.

DeRozan gave a lot more than expected to Bulls. Time for both to move on. It's been looooooong time coming for the Bulls to rebuild.

He's definitely a better player than Barnes and a Fox/DeRozan stagger would be helpful for the second unit. I've always thought Barnes was a bit underrated but he's a dependent player offensively and more of a guy that is fantastic as the 4th or 5th defender that will always be competent but never be good.

Plus, DeRoz was just in the Not Like Us video which I was a fan of.

 

[Kev4029]

Nuggets signed Saric (2 @ the taxpayer mid-level) and I assume they are waiting for this giant 6 team trade to finalize before subsequently landing Westbrook. They also resigned Cancar (Saric-lite) to what I assume is a one year minimum.

If they end up with a bench of Westbrook, Strawther, Watson, Holmes (or Cancar), and Saric, I think they might actually have something sustainable with that lineup. The starting lineup should be just as good defensively (KCP is so good at getting around screens but Braun is bigger and stronger to better handle SFs and be more switchable 1-4), and the drop off from Braun to KCP will be noticable but probably overstated.

I was kind of anti-Westbrook but he would be a nice Bruce Brown replacement (tempo/swagger) and would have enough shooting around him with the second unit to hopefully play to everybody's strengths.

If any the young guys (Watson, Braun, Strawther) show significant improvement, the Nuggets' whole cheap-*** plan might actually work.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Caleb Martin to sixers

Starting 5 looking good. They still need a PF who can defend and rebound.

I guess he plays the 4? They are waiving B-ball Paul?!

Yes, bball being waived. I think that Martin will play the 4 in some lineups, but they could use another 4. Markannen will slot in well.

Martin has only played the 4, 6% of the time (only 1% last season). He's more a SG/SF. I know the league is moving to a positionless game, but Martin is only 6-5. His specialty is locking up smaller guards so I would expect him to, for example, get the assignment of guarding a guy like Jalen Brunson and not Julius Randle.

 

[thecatch]

Charlotte was bidding against who exactly for the right to pay Bridges 3/75??

Not sure but a bargain at that price. 21/7/3 and solid on defense for $25M/yr? That'll be what like 15% of the cap, less by the end of the deal?

Distressed assets are how you find advantages in a capped league. Someone will trade for him by end of that deal for at least a first.

Hollinger’s numbers have him as a $15m player FWIW, and that’s without applying a scumbag discount.

 

[thecatch]

Sac only gave Barnes for Derozan. I don't think it makes them better with a healthy Fox/Sabonis. But he's definitely a better ball dominant shot maker than Barnes if Fox goes down

Bulls didnt get Huerter either who they easily could have spun elsewhere. I think he has more value to a team as a complimentary player than Derozan.

I think most NBA teams see this and why Derozan's struggled for interest with his iso / offense stopping game.

DeRozan gave a lot more than expected to Bulls. Time for both to move on. It's been looooooong time coming for the Bulls to rebuild.

He's definitely a better player than Barnes and a Fox/DeRozan stagger would be helpful for the second unit. I've always thought Barnes was a bit underrated but he's a dependent player offensively and more of a guy that is fantastic as the 4th or 5th defender that will always be competent but never be good.

Plus, DeRoz was just in the Not Like Us video which I was a fan of.

The fit will be weird. The Kings offense was highly dependent on making 3s (more so than most teams) and on nights where 2 of Barnes, Huerter, and Keegan weren’t clicking, they were entirely dependent on Fox and Monk making plays off the dribble. When Monk got hurt they were totally sunk. So maybe that’s what McNair is thinking.

I’ll sort of miss Barnes. Great dude, good three point shooter. But 80% of the time he has no impact on the game. Average-ish defender who stopped looking for his own shot and is a terrible rebounder. The Kings still desperately need to trade Huerter for big wing help defensively and on the glass.

 

[thecatch]

Derozan to Kings done. 3/76

Barnes and Duarte to spurs

2 seconds to Bulls

Third year only partially guaranteed

 

[Snotbubbles]

Caleb Martin to sixers

Starting 5 looking good. They still need a PF who can defend and rebound.

Is it? Their top three is good, but Oubre and Martin are better 7th or 8th guys than top 5. Also Maxey/Oubre/Martin/PG is small

Celtics:

Jayson Tatum - 6'8"
Jalen Brown - 6'6"
Jrue Holiday - 6'4"
Derrick White - 6'4"

Knicks:
Jalen Brunson - 6'2"
Julius Randle - 6'8"
OG Anunoby - 6'7"
Mikal Bridges - 6'6"
Josh Hart - 6'4"

Sixers:
Tyrese Maxey - 6'2"
Caleb Martin - 6'5"
Kelly Oubre - 6'7"
Paul George - 6'8"

I think they'll be fine.

 

[msudaisy26]

If the Kings and DeRozan want this to work they should watch old film of Lou Williams with the Clippers as the 6th man and copy that.

 

[Jayrod]

DeRozan led the league in minutes played last year. He also still had a PER of 19.7 and WS/48 of .147. He's still a highly capable player, not some has been like Westbrook. He's walking in as easily their 3rd best player and arguments can be made that he's better overall than Fox. His window is closing but if you get 85-90% of what he's done the last 2 years, he makes Sacramento a much better team.

 

[Snotbubbles]

DeRozan led the league in minutes played last year. He also still had a PER of 19.7 and WS/48 of .147. He's still a highly capable player, not some has been like Westbrook. He's walking in as easily their 3rd best player and arguments can be made that he's better overall than Fox. His window is closing but if you get 85-90% of what he's done the last 2 years, he makes Sacramento a much better team.

I don't think he does. He's makes them different, not necessarily better. He's a ball stopping, black hole, ISO guy. His style fit with the Bulls who were a slow pace (96.3 - 28th in the league), half-court team, that didn't take many 3s (32.1/gm) and didn't have much on offense. Now he's going to a team where the PG is the #1 scorer (has a 31% usage), the team plays a faster pace (98.8 - 14th in the league), takes more 3s (39.3/gm). It's just a different offensive style. Plus, DeRozan is a negative on defense. I really just don't see DeRozans fit with this group. To be honest, Alex Caruso would have been a much better fit for the Kings. I think his best usage would be as a 6th man, being the #1 option on the second unit.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Hey guys, looks line Lebron did take less to help the Lakers! $2.7mm less than the max …. And year 2 is a player option so he has a defacto no-trade clause apparently.

 

[BassNBrew]

Charlotte was bidding against who exactly for the right to pay Bridges 3/75??

Not sure but a bargain at that price. 21/7/3 and solid on defense for $25M/yr? That'll be what like 15% of the cap, less by the end of the deal?

Distressed assets are how you find advantages in a capped league. Someone will trade for him by end of that deal for at least a first.

That was my thought too. Definitely going to be traded at some point

Why do you think this?

 

[Mister CIA]

Stephon Castle looking like the real deal in last night's summer league game against CHA, but to be fair, he might have been the only NBA-caliber player on the floor last night. He flashed his POA skills and hit 2-4 from three. He's a point guard. Exhibits. Looks like they are shutting him down for tonight's game though, which sucks, but they know what they have.

Now, if Ainge would back down the asking price for Markannen to two FRPs (and change), we'll be ready to make a deep playoff run, right? ... Two *quality* FRPs, not 4 picks slated to slot in the 20s that everyone goes ZOMG over.

 

[Gr00vus]

Hey guys, looks line Lebron did take less to help the Lakers! $2.7mm less than the max …. And year 2 is a player option so he has a defacto no-trade clause apparently.

That small amount gets them under the second apron, not insignificant.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Hey guys, looks line Lebron did take less to help the Lakers! $2.7mm less than the max …. And year 2 is a player option so he has a defacto no-trade clause apparently.

That small amount gets them under the second apron, not insignificant.

What a sacrifice.

 

[msudaisy26]

Charlotte was bidding against who exactly for the right to pay Bridges 3/75??

Not sure but a bargain at that price. 21/7/3 and solid on defense for $25M/yr? That'll be what like 15% of the cap, less by the end of the deal?

Distressed assets are how you find advantages in a capped league. Someone will trade for him by end of that deal for at least a first.

That was my thought too. Definitely going to be traded at some point

Why do you think this?

Any team could have just had him at 25 million a year without giving up assests. Teams don't want the PR hit or potentional of him being suspended for a year or more if there is a repeat offense.

I believe he will be traded, but it will be near the end of his deal when the risk is low.

 

[msudaisy26]

Stephon Castle looking like the real deal in last night's summer league game against CHA, but to be fair, he might have been the only NBA-caliber player on the floor last night. He flashed his POA skills and hit 2-4 from three. He's a point guard. Exhibits. Looks like they are shutting him down for tonight's game though, which sucks, but they know what they have.

Now, if Ainge would back down the asking price for Markannen to two FRPs (and change), we'll be ready to make a deep playoff run, right? ... Two *quality* FRPs, not 4 picks slated to slot in the 20s that everyone goes ZOMG over.

Every year players dominate the summer league and fans of those teams go nuts thinking we got the steal of the draft or the next all star and it rarely works that way. I remember Keegan Murray being all the talk all summer a couple of years ago and while he is an okay player, he isn't lighting the league on fire.

 

[Capella]

Hey guys, looks line Lebron did take less to help the Lakers! $2.7mm less than the max …. And year 2 is a player option so he has a defacto no-trade clause apparently.

That small amount gets them under the second apron, not insignificant.

What a sacrifice.

Lmao man you are a real hater. Why would Lebron James, one of the best basketball players ever, take less than the max.

 

[Desert_Power]

Charlotte was bidding against who exactly for the right to pay Bridges 3/75??

Not sure but a bargain at that price. 21/7/3 and solid on defense for $25M/yr? That'll be what like 15% of the cap, less by the end of the deal?

Distressed assets are how you find advantages in a capped league. Someone will trade for him by end of that deal for at least a first.

That was my thought too. Definitely going to be traded at some point

Why do you think this?

It's a contract that will be attractive to a contender in a year or two as the cap increases and his legal problems fade (assuming he doesn't do it again).

 

[BassNBrew]

Charlotte was bidding against who exactly for the right to pay Bridges 3/75??

Not sure but a bargain at that price. 21/7/3 and solid on defense for $25M/yr? That'll be what like 15% of the cap, less by the end of the deal?

Distressed assets are how you find advantages in a capped league. Someone will trade for him by end of that deal for at least a first.

That was my thought too. Definitely going to be traded at some point

Why do you think this?

It's a contract that will be attractive to a contender in a year or two as the cap increases and his legal problems fade (assuming he doesn't do it again).

I'm not sure why you would trade 21/7/3 in the first place if you're trying to make the playoffs for the first time in ages.

 

[Juxtatarot]

Charlotte was bidding against who exactly for the right to pay Bridges 3/75??

Not sure but a bargain at that price. 21/7/3 and solid on defense for $25M/yr? That'll be what like 15% of the cap, less by the end of the deal?

Distressed assets are how you find advantages in a capped league. Someone will trade for him by end of that deal for at least a first.

That was my thought too. Definitely going to be traded at some point

Why do you think this?

It's a contract that will be attractive to a contender in a year or two as the cap increases and his legal problems fade (assuming he doesn't do it again).

I'm not sure why you would trade 21/7/3 in the first place if you're trying to make the playoffs for the first time in ages.

Playoffs?

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

DeRozan led the league in minutes played last year. He also still had a PER of 19.7 and WS/48 of .147. He's still a highly capable player, not some has been like Westbrook. He's walking in as easily their 3rd best player and arguments can be made that he's better overall than Fox. His window is closing but if you get 85-90% of what he's done the last 2 years, he makes Sacramento a much better team.

I don't think he does. He's makes them different, not necessarily better. He's a ball stopping, black hole, ISO guy. His style fit with the Bulls who were a slow pace (96.3 - 28th in the league), half-court team, that didn't take many 3s (32.1/gm) and didn't have much on offense. Now he's going to a team where the PG is the #1 scorer (has a 31% usage), the team plays a faster pace (98.8 - 14th in the league), takes more 3s (39.3/gm). It's just a different offensive style. Plus, DeRozan is a negative on defense. I really just don't see DeRozans fit with this group. To be honest, Alex Caruso would have been a much better fit for the Kings. I think his best usage would be as a 6th man, being the #1 option on the second unit.

Agree on all points here and well put overall. Particularly the Caruso part

League sees he's an Iso / ball stopping guy. Why there's never been a huge desire around the league for him over the past several years.

Barnes wasn't putting Sac over the top either so it's pretty much a "Why not try it?" transaction to me. Particularly not having to move Huerter in the deal (can spin elsewhere if desired). After his complete disappearing act in the playoffs vs. Golden State a season ago, I was rather shocked they even resigned Barnes. Let alone paying him what he got long term. I'd have definitely went for Ingram/Lauri. Maybe they still will somehow. I just see Derozan as a 6th man here even if they're obviously likely to start.

Bulls' got everything and more out of Derozan individually. It just wasn't a winning or fun brand of basketball to watch with his Iso-ball. Great for what he provided. Can't say sad to see go. Was long time for a divorce.