Bulls make three-team deal official, acquiring guard Chris Duarte

Bulls make three-team deal official, acquiring guard Chris Duarte

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When forward DeMar DeRozan returns to the United Center with the Kings next season, he can probably count on a video tribute and a standing ovation.But on Monday, what he got for now from the Bulls was a simple statement from Arturas Karnisovas, executive vice president of basketball operations, with the completion of a three-team trade.“We thank DeMar for everything he has done for our team as a leader and mentor,” Karnisovas said. “Everyone inside our building appreciated and respected DeMar’s professionalism and commitment to this organization and the city of Chicago, and we wish him the best in Sacramento.”In the deal, which came together Saturday night, the Bulls get guard Chris Duarte, two second-round draft picks and cash considerations from the Kings, who get DeRozan in a sign-and-trade for three years at $70  million. The Spurs, the third team, get forward Harrison Barnes and an unprotected first-round pick swap with the Kings in 2031.The immediate question for the Bulls is what to do with Duarte now that they’re loaded on guards. As a rookie with the Pacers in 2021-22, he averaged 13.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists and made the All-Rookie Second Team.“We are thrilled to bring Chris into the mix here with his experience, versatility and offensive abilities,” Karnisovas said.
However, that mix includes Josh Giddey (acquired last month from the Thunder) and Coby White as the expected starters and Ayo Dosunmu and Dalen Terry in reserve roles. And the Bulls still have two-time All-Star Zach LaVine, whom they’re still actively trying to trade, even though his maximum contract and injury history make him a difficult sell. The hope is that the two second-round picks the Bulls got from trading DeRozan can now be attached to a LaVine package.Another unanswered question: What’s the status of guard Lonzo Ball, who hasn’t played since January 2022 because of knee problems, and does he factor in? Those answers could be coming soon, with Ball expected to begin five-on-five scrimmaging with full contact.NOTE: The Bulls also officially announced the signing of free-agent center/forward Jalen Smith to a three-year contract. They did not disclose the money, but it’s reportedly a $27  million deal.

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Bulls Already Cutting Recent Trade Acquisition

Bulls Already Cutting Recent Trade Acquisition

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The Chicago Bulls are in the midst of a busy offseason as they retooled the roster, parting ways with Alex Caruso, DeMar DeRozan, and Andre Drummond. This was a long overdue decision by the front office as the Bulls could have easily received much more in return for these players if they were dealt at last season’s trade deadline. Alas, it’s still good to see that the organization finally came to its senses and decided to start the rebuild. It doesn’t look like transactions are going to die down any time soon. After the Bulls signed and traded DeRozan to the Sacramento Kings as part of a three-team deal, they received Chris Duarte and RaiQuan Gray in return. According to KC Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago, the team just waived Gray. Gray will be waived, per Bulls PR. https://t.co/eccSbNujJD— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) July 8, 2024Gray was a second-round pick in the 2021 NBA Draft and spent the first three seasons of his career between the Brooklyn Nets and the San Antonio Spurs, appearing in a total of four games. The former Florida State standout wasn’t able to establish a career in the NBA and will now become an unrestricted free agent, hoping to get a two-way contract. This move officially makes it clear that all the Bulls got in return for DeRozan was Duarte. This is a disastrous move by the front office, especially considering the fact that Sacramento also gave up Harrison Barnes and a 2031 first-round pick to be able to sign DeRozan. Chicago could have received those assets if they had enough cap space but they had already squandered it with an extension to Patrick Williams, and the signing of Jalen Smith. So far this offseason, the Bulls front office managed to turn Caruso, Drummond, and DeRozan to Josh Giddey, Chris Duarte, and two second-round picks. Not really the haul Bulls fans were hoping for. More Bulls news and rumors:

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Red Bulls’ John Tolkin named to US Men’s Olympic Soccer Team

Red Bulls’ John Tolkin named to US Men’s Olympic Soccer Team

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A New York Red Bulls defender and New Jersey native are Olympic-bound.

John Tolkin was named to the U.S. Men’s Olympic Soccer Team on Monday morning during an announcement on “TODAY” on NBC, marking the first time the franchise has sent a player to the Summer Games in its era as the Red Bulls. 

The 21-year-old defenseman has made seven appearances for the U.S. team as they got prepared for the Summer Olympics taking place in Paris later this month. Additionally, Tolkin made one appearance with the United States senior national team this year. 

The Olympic team is a U23 roster with three exceptions.

Red Bulls’ John Tolkin named to the Olympic team. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

“Personally, it’s been a dream of mine since I was a little kid and whenever I can put on the U.S. shirt, whether it be at Olympics or just a friendly it’s a huge honor,” Tolkin, a Chatham, N.J., native said during an appearance on CBS Sports Golazo in April.

“Where I’m from it’s a tiny town in Jersey. I think us people from Jersey have a little chip on our shoulder and we love where we’re from. We take a lot of pride in it, so it’s something that you can’t really explain when you’re in the moment when you’re wearing the crest. It’s an amazing feeling and it’s what all players play for.” 

Beyond just this year’s Olympics, Tolkin could very well be a part of the United States team that competes at the World Cup in 2026. 

He made four appearances for the national team last year, including two in the Gold Cup. 

Tolkin’s Olympic nod makes him just the sixth player overall in the franchise’s history – they were known as the MetroStars from 1996-2006 and then rebranded as the Red Bulls – to make the Olympic team and the first since 2000 when Tim Howard and Ramiro Corrales represented the United States. 

This is Tolkin’s fifth season with the Red Bulls and he has played 105 MLS games for the club. 

John Tolkin speaks to the media during the Team USA Media Summit at Marriott Marquis Hotel on April 15, 2024. Getty Images for the USOPC

He earned his first MLS All-Star nod last season and owns the franchise record for most assists by a defender in a single season across all competitions with 10. 

Tolkin also sits tied for second on the all-time assists record for defensemen across all competitions with 15.

The United States will play a friendly against Spain on July 18 before opening the group stage of the Olympic tournament on July 24 against host nation, France. 

The US will also play New Zealand and Guinea as part of the group stage.

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An appreciation of DeMar DeRozan’s Bulls stint – NBC Sports Chicago

An appreciation of DeMar DeRozan’s Bulls stint – NBC Sports Chicago

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Presented by Nationwide Insurance Agent Jeff Vukovich

The loud, on-the-court highlights were bountiful and will stand the test of time.

Whenever DeMar DeRozan is enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, surely that one-legged, 28-foot 3-pointer he sank to beat the buzzer and the Indiana Pacers on 2021 New Year’s Eve will be played.

Or maybe the difficult pump fake and corner 3-pointer to beat the buzzer and the Washington Wizards the next night will be, given that it marked the first time in NBA history a player sank buzzer-beating 3-pointers for victories on consecutive days.

DeRozan offered other worthy on-court moments during his three seasons with the Chicago Bulls, posting 12 40-point games, averaging 25.5 points and steadily climbing the all-time scoring ranks to pass names like Larry Bird or Elgin Baylor or Dwyane Wade.

But it’s the quieter moments where DeRozan truly made his greatest impact as a Bull.

From driving to the University of Illinois to attend Ayo Dosunmu’s jersey retirement to inviting Patrick Williams and Dalen Terry to his early offseason workouts in Los Angeles, DeRozan treated younger players with respect and plied them with confidence.

His consistent demeanor and quiet leadership drew praise from organizational members as varied as basketball decision-makers to business operations staffers.

His love for basketball showed in everything from leading the NBA in minutes played at age 34 to attending Windy City Bulls games on off nights to his appreciation for old-school moves and the sport’s history.

DeRozan used to love being told what legend of the game he was about to pass on the all-time scoring list. Not so much for bragging rights, although he loved hearing about Wade, who is his neighbor in southern California. But more because DeRozan long has been a student of the game.

“I mean, that’s Larry Bird,” DeRozan said early last season in Indianapolis. “From a fan perspective, it’s amazing. It’s an honor. . . . Listen, that’s a player who I watched a whole bunch of film of over the years. And he was a bad man.”

This may be a small thing, but about that talking: In this day and age of more restricted access, DeRozan was always available, whenever you needed him. It’s no wonder that he’s a winner of the 2018 Magic Johnson award, awarded annually by the Professional Basketball Writers Association to the player who best combines on-court excellence with cooperation with the media and fans.

DeRozan also continued his commitment to raising mental health awareness, a mission he began unexpectedly while a member of the Toronto Raptors, another organization where he’s widely respected. DeRozan seemed to gain confidence in this commitment, releasing a podcast series on his YouTube channel called “Dinners with DeMar” in which he talked mental health issues with superstars like Damian Lillard, Draymond Green and Wade.

The Bulls won only one playoff game during DeRozan’s three-year tenure, a fact that stung the proud player deeply. But DeRozan not only made two All-Star games but also earned second-team All-NBA status in 2021-22 and was a finalist for Clutch Player of the Year the last two seasons.

The Bulls’ lack of success wasn’t for lack of DeRozan’s efforts.

And he showed up. He led the NBA in minutes played at age 34 and appeared in 93 percent of his potential games in Chicago. He played often and he played hurt.

DeRozan likes to say he doesn’t get involved in the business of basketball. But that business is what helped push him from Chicago to Sacramento, where the Kings franchise began a love affair on Saturday night.

That’s when the Kings introduced DeRozan at a summer league game to a raucous reception. Those seem to follow DeRozan wherever he plays, whether it be Toronto, San Antonio or Chicago. The Bulls should be planning that video tribute for next season already.

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Grading the wild 3-team Spurs, Kings, and Bulls DeRozan swap

Grading the wild 3-team Spurs, Kings, and Bulls DeRozan swap

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One of the last big free agents remaining now has a new home, which could have big ramifications for the Western Conference. A three-team deal involving the San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, and Sacramento Kings saw the Bulls sign Demar DeRozan to a 3-year, $74 million deal and trade him to the Kings.
The Kings will send Harrison Barnes to the Spurs as well as an unprotected first-round pick swap in 2031, Chris Duarte, and a second-round pick to the Bulls. The Spurs will also send the Bulls a second-round pick.
ESPN Sources with @TimBontemps: The Sacramento Kings are agreed on a sign-and-trade that will land DeMar DeRozan on a three-year deal, send Harrison Barnes to the San Antonio Spurs and Chris Duarte, two second-round picks and cash to the Chicago Bulls. pic.twitter.com/eopPkSPBvc— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 7, 2024In theory, that seems to be a potentially beneficial deal for all three teams, with the Bulls getting two seconds for a player they weren’t going to retain anyway, helping them with their apparent rebuild. The Kings, who have been trying to keep pace in a highly competitive West, get a major offensive upgrade in DeRozan. Lastly, the Spurs would get some much-needed shooting with Barnes, who will also provide a veteran presence.
Sign and trades can be hard to evaluate since those deals aren’t meant to provide equal value to each team. However, we will go through and grade how each team made out in the deal.


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DeMar DeRozan’s stellar Bulls tenure closes with trade to Kings – NBC Sports Chicago

DeMar DeRozan’s stellar Bulls tenure closes with trade to Kings – NBC Sports Chicago

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Presented by Nationwide Insurance Agent Jeff Vukovich

DeMar DeRozan’s stellar, three-season tenure with the Chicago Bulls is over.

The Sacramento Kings are finalizing a sign-and-trade acquisition of the six-time All-Star, including two appearances with the Bulls, in a three-team transaction with the San Antonio Spurs, sources confirmed. Headed to the Bulls are guard Chris Duarte, whose $5.9 million deal either expires or can be extended or moved into restricted free agency, and much needed draft capital in the form of two second-round picks, a source confirmed. ESPN.com also reported that the Bulls are getting cash.

The Bulls also will create a trade exception of roughly $17 million, although they currently sit roughly $4.5 million below the luxury tax line with 15 contracts. Onuralp Bitim’s $1.9 million deal isn’t fully guaranteed until January 2025.

DeRozan will sign a three-year, $74 million deal, a source said, which features two years and $59 million guaranteed. The third season is partially guaranteed, according to Chris Haynes of TNT and Bleacher Report. ESPN.com’s Marc Spears was the first to mention the Kings’ interest in DeRozan on July 2.

The Spurs will acquire Harrison Barnes from Sacramento, who added DeRozan to an already potent fourth-quarter scorer in De’Aaron Fox. DeRozan led the NBA in fourth-quarter points and total minutes this season.

DeRozan averaged 25.5 points, 5.1 assists and 4.7 rebounds in his three seasons with the Bulls, appearing in 93 percent of possible games and drawing plaudits from every member of the organization for his professionalism and consistency.

See moreDeMar DeRozan was just introduced to the crowd in Sacramento to the tune of Kendrick Lamar’s “They Not Like Us.” pic.twitter.com/yhFu6hy1m7— Jason Anderson (@JandersonSacBee) July 7, 2024

That the Spurs and Bulls helped facilitate the sign-and-trade for the Kings seemed fitting. DeRozan came to the Bulls in another sign-and-trade transaction in August 2021 from the Spurs, who also lauded DeRozan for his stellar three-season run there.

Duarte, the 13th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, averaged 13.1 points as a rookie for the Indiana Pacers. He owns career averages of 8.2 points and 2.8 rebounds in 160 games, including 62 starts. The wing is a career 34.7 percent 3-point shooter.

The Bulls’ youth movement is in full effect. Duarte, 27, will be on the older end of a core built around Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, Patrick Williams, Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis and Jalen Smith, but the Bulls have flexibility with Duarte’s future.

They also will continue their efforts to trade Zach LaVine—and now have two second-round picks to possibly attach as assets in that quest. Coincidentally, the Bulls and Kings held trade talks centered on LaVine before the DeRozan interest materialized.

That the Spurs and Bulls did business on this deal is also coincidental in that the Bulls still owe the Spurs a top-10 protected pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, widely considered to be deep and strong, for the initial DeRozan sign-and-trade to Chicago. The Bulls’ youth movement could help the Bulls keep the pick for at least one more year, at which point it would become top-eight protected.

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Chicago Bulls announce signings as NBA moratorium lifts – NBC Sports Chicago

Chicago Bulls announce signings as NBA moratorium lifts – NBC Sports Chicago

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Presented by Nationwide Insurance Agent Jeff Vukovich

The NBA’s moratorium on free agent signings ended Saturday, allowing moves already reported to become “officially official” in lighthearted parlance used frequently amongst fans and writers of the league.

That means the Chicago Bulls issued official news releases on the re-signings of Patrick Williams and Adama Sanogo, the latter to a two-way contract. Although big-name news centered on DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine stayed unfinished for at least another day.

DeRozan is working with the Sacramento Kings to finalize a sign-and-trade transaction with the Bulls and a third team, with sources indicating that the San Antonio Spurs are a strong candidate. DeRozan visited with Kings officials on Saturday.

With sign-and-trade transactions needing to be for at least three years, DeRozan is looking at a deal in the neighborhood of $20 million annually and $60 million overall, a source said.

The Bulls, who are currently roughly $11 or $13 million under the luxury tax depending on the fate of Onuralp Bitim’s non-guaranteed contract, don’t want to take back money that would push them over that threshold. Thus, the need for a third team, which, like the Bulls, would likely receive draft capital as a reward for helping the Kings acquire DeRozan.

Throughout much of last season, the Bulls and DeRozan operated under the belief that he’d return. Internal discussions at one point centered on a two-year deal at a higher annual salary than the $28.6 million DeRozan made last season.

But management’s desire to change the roster, coupled with a challenging trade market for LaVine, led to a trade with Oklahoma City involving Alex Caruso for Josh Giddey. The youth movement has continued in full force since, forcing DeRozan’s hand to sign elsewhere.

Williams, who turns 23 in August, is part of that youth movement. He also represent this management regime’s first significant player transaction as the fourth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.

With a five-year deal that averages $18 million in an age of a dramatically rising salary cap, management is banking on Williams to reach his full potential as a “3-and-D” wing with athleticism and versatility. He’ll certainly have more opportunity with DeRozan’s imminent departure, though those two were close and DeRozan stood consistently as one of Williams’ biggest advocates.

As of Saturday evening, the Bulls hadn’t officially announced the signing of free agent center Jalen Smith or veteran Torrey Craig exercising his player option. But those moves will become “officially official” soon.

Click here to follow the Bulls Talk Podcast.

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NBA Trade Pitch Lands Bulls Star Zach LaVine

NBA Trade Pitch Lands Bulls Star Zach LaVine

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The Los Angeles Lakers are running out of time to make a significant addition in NBA free agency. Another potential option for the Lakers to explore is a blockbuster trade with the Chicago Bulls for two-time All-Star Zach LaVine. The Athletic’s Jovan Buha floated a potential trade that has Los Angeles sending some combination of D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura and either Gabe Vincent or Jarred Vanderbilt. The NBA insider also pondered whether the Bulls could be willing to send the Lakers a first-round pick in exchange for taking on the three remaining seasons of a five-year, $215 million contract. “I think the Lakers could make it work if they really want to,” Buha explained during a July 5, 2024, YouTube live stream titled, “Lakers Q&A: Trade targets, Lauri Markkanen, free-agency options, LA’s rank in West.” “From a cap sheet perspective of like matching salaries, it would have to be something like D-Lo, Rui and then you could go Vando or Gabe and you’re basically right there. Zach’s making $43 million next year, so you could get in that ballpark with those three guys. “Now, it is a three-for-one trade. I’m sure Chicago would likely try to put someone else in the deal, just from like a roster construction perspective of they don’t really want to take on two extra contracts. So, that could be a haggling point and then if they’re willing to give up a first-round pick.”The Lakers Could Potentially Gain Future 1st-Round Picks From the Bulls for Trading for Zach LaVine’s $215 Million DealLaVine’s sizable remaining contract combined with a $43 million cap hit in 2024-25 have likely played a role in the Bulls’ inability to find a desirable trade. There’s also the reality that LaVine is coming off a season-ending foot injury that required surgery. LaVine played in just 25 games last season averaging 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game while shooting 34.9% from long range. ESPN’s Bobby Marks reported that there is “no market” for LaVine, and Chicago may have to attach future draft picks in order to deal the former All-Star. “Literally, there is no market for Zach LaVine,” Marks explained in a June 30 YouTube video hours before the start of NBA free agency. “They are trying to give him away and attach a first-round pick. I’ve been told that by multiple, multiple people and that is not happening.”Do the Lakers Have an Interest in Zach LaVine?Given the lack of a market for LaVine, the guard could be attainable for Los Angeles, but it is unclear if the Lakers are interested in the Bulls veteran. Buha noted that a backcourt with LaVine and Austin Reaves presents a lot of challenges for the Lakers. While Los Angeles could make a deal work, the Lakers insider is skeptical about the franchise wanting to add the two-time All-Star. “I’m a bit skeptical [of LaVine’s fit], especially if the Lakers are keeping Austin,” Buha added. “… Just because looking at an Austin, Zach LaVine backcourt, I think it poses some of the similar problems as like an Austin-D-Lo backcourt. Zack LaVine is a better player than D-Lo, but there kind of similar players in terms of strengths and weaknesses.”

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Kings, Bulls in sign-and-trade negotiations for DeMar DeRozan – Hoops Hype

Kings, Bulls in sign-and-trade negotiations for DeMar DeRozan – Hoops Hype

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Kings, Bulls in sign-and-trade negotiations for DeMar DeRozan  Hoops Hype2024 NBA Offseason: Every free agency deal, extension & trade for all 30 teams  NBA.comKings engaged in sign-and-trade talks for DeMar DeRozan  Sacramento BeeSan Antonio Spurs Could Reportedly Be Landing Spot For 6x NBA All-Star  Sports IllustratedDeMar DeRozan Rumors: Kings, Bulls Talked Sign-and-Trade amid Lakers, Heat Links  Bleacher Report

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DeMar DeRozan, Brandon Ingram, Buddy Hield, Trade Talks

DeMar DeRozan, Brandon Ingram, Buddy Hield, Trade Talks

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Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
The Mikal Bridges trade signaled the start of a rebuild for Brooklyn, and that sentiment was only enhanced when the Nets re-acquired their first-round draft picks from the James Harden trade with the Houston Rockets. 
As previously reported by HoopsHype, Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith is among the notable trade candidates. 
The Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers are among the teams with interest in trading for Finney-Smith, league sources told HoopsHype. 
The 76ers have been scouring the trade market for a forward who could potentially start for them, league sources say, and Finney-Smith would fit that criteria. 
As noted above, Philadelphia has also expressed interest in a pair of Miami Heat small forwards on the free agent market, Caleb Martin and Haywood Highsmith, league sources told HoopsHype, and as reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer. For now, Philadelphia believes Martin is holding out for more money elsewhere, but the 76ers seemingly remain interested in signing him until he’s off the market. 
The Cavaliers have admired Finney-Smith and have kept tabs on him since the Nets acquired him, league sources said. 
Amid Cleveland’s interest in Finney-Smith, it’s worth noting that Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro is a potential sign-and-trade candidate to monitor in restricted free agency, league sources told HoopsHype, and as ESPN’s Bobby Marks recently noted. 
As Cavaliers beat writer Chris Fedor said during an appearance on The HoopsHype Podcast, ”In many ways, it feels like the Cavaliers have outgrown Okoro.”
A potential offer for Okoro above the non-taxpayer mid-level exception could make Cleveland think twice about retaining the 23-year-old stout defender, who’s coming off a career-high 39.1 percent from 3-point range, with Evan Mobley eligible for an extension and Caris LeVert entering the final year of his contract. 

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