DeRozan, LaVine's Top Free Agency, Trade Landing Spots After NBA Deadline Passes

The 2024 NBA trade deadline has passed, and DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine remain members of the Chicago Bulls after months of speculation linking both players to moves out of the Windy City.

LaVine was effectively removed from trade conversations last week when the Bulls announced he would be sidelined for the remainder of the season after undergoing foot surgery, but DeRozan was there for the taking all the way up to Thursday's deadline.

With both players remaining in Chicago for the remainder of the 2023-24 season, it's time to start thinking about where each player might be suiting up come 2024-25.

DeRozan is set to become a free agent and will be eligible to sign wherever he wants. LaVine, however, is under contract through the 2025-26 season and has a player option for 2026-27, so he would need to be traded in order to move on from the Bulls.

That said, here's a look at the top landing spots for each player this summer.

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DeMar DeRozan Top Landing Spots in Free Agency

DeRozan, a six-time All-Star, is an effective scorer who could contribute for any championship contender with his ability to create for both himself and his teammates.

The 34-year-old is averaging 21.1 points in his career, and is in the midst of another solid season despite Chicago's struggles, averaging 22.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 49 games while shooting 46.4 percent from the floor and 32.8 percent from deep.

New York Knicks

Leading up to the trade deadline, The Athletic's Sam Amick reported that the Knicks were "known to be preferable to DeRozan if he winds up getting moved," so maybe it's possible the two sides explore a contract in free agency.

After missing out on Donovan Mitchell when he was traded from the Utah Jazz to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Knicks have been known to be coveting another star player to pair with Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle.

DeRozan could plug into New York's lineup as a veteran shot creator who makes the franchise more of a threat in the playoffs.

Miami Heat

Amick also reported that the Miami Heat were one of DeRozan's preferred destinations if he was to be moved this winter, so maybe the franchise is also a possibility for the veteran as a free agent.

In Miami, DeRozan would join a lineup highlighted by Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. He could be a clutch scoring option for the franchise, though taking the ball out of Butler's hands probably isn't the best idea.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Athletic's Jovan Buha reported ahead of the trade deadline that the Los Angeles Lakers would be more interested in acquiring DeRozan or Alex Caruso than LaVine if they were to make a deal this winter.

With the Purple and Gold not making any moves at the deadline, TNT's Chris Haynes reported that "the probable path for Los Angeles Lakers is standing pat at the trade deadline with the potential to acquire another star player in the offseason when armed with three first-round picks."

Could that star player be DeRozan?

It's possible they would be aiming for a star bigger than DeRozan, though he would be a solid fit alongside LeBron James as a secondary creator in a lineup that also includes Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves.

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Zach LaVine Top Landing Spots via Trade

LaVine, who has earned two All-Star selections in his career, figures to be a hot trade candidate this summer, especially if DeRozan moves on from the Bulls in free agency.

LaVine is best known for his scoring ability and range. Before being ruled out for the remainder of the 2023-24 season, he averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 25 games while shooting 45.2 percent from the floor and 34.9 percent from deep.

The biggest concern regarding LaVine is his health. Over the last six seasons, he has reached the 65-game mark just twice—2021-22 and 2022-23.

Philadelphia 76ers

Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported in November that the Sixers were among LaVine's preferred landing spots if he were traded this winter, so perhaps Philadelphia could be a destination for the veteran this summer.

The 28-year-old would provide the Sixers with a third scoring option alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. He'd also be an upgrade from De'Anthony Melton and Buddy Hield at the two.

A lineup that includes LaVine, Embiid and Maxey could help Philadelphia better contend with the other top teams in the Eastern Conference.

Los Angeles Lakers

LaVine was heavily linked to the Lakers ahead of the trade deadline and even reportedly wanted to be dealt to the Purple and Gold. Given his L.A. roots, having played college basketball at UCLA, it's hard not to list the Lakers as a potential destination.

Like DeRozan, LaVine could be that third guy in a lineup that is highlighted by James and Davis.

The difference here is that the Lakers would likely have to part with some draft capital in any LaVine deal whereas they could just sign DeRozan without having to give up any assets.

Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic haven't been linked to LaVine, but with the team performing well this season and remaining in playoff contention, adding a player like LaVine could greatly alter their ceiling in 2024-25.

LaVine could slot in as a primary scoring option alongside Paolo Banchero in a lineup that also includes Franz Wagner, Wendell Carter Jr. and Jalen Suggs.

Adding LaVine could help the team go from a bubble playoff team to a legitimate contender.