Lakers, Heat, Bulls’ Top Targets After DeMar DeRozan Signs $74M Kings Contract

Through a sign-and-trade agreement with the Chicago Bulls, the Sacramento Kings acquired DeMar DeRozan, as reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Tim Bontemps. The Bulls will now have to look for a replacement for the 2023–24 Clutch Player of the Year runner-up, as a top trade candidate for the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat is no longer available.

DeRozan played in 79 games for Chicago last season, averaging 24.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. Although it won’t be simple to replace his offensive style and 15 years of NBA experience, the Lakers, Heat, and Bulls may want to look at other free agent forwards like Gordon Hayward or Saddiq Bey as they try to bolster their wing depth this autumn.

According to reports, the Lakers have shown interest in a number of free agents, including James Harden, Paul George, Klay Thompson, Donovan Mitchell, and DeRozan. In Los Angeles, none has signed. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis at the center of their 2024–25 roster, who can the Lakers look to next to establish a championship contender?

The Lakers are reportedly interested in Grant, who averaged 40.2 percent from outside the arc last season while playing defense for the Portland Trail Blazers, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. For the next three seasons, he will be under team control; in 2024–2025, he will cost $29.8 million against the cap.