Bulls Acquire DeMar DeRozan in Sign-and-Trade with Spurs

A Blockbuster Trade Shakes Up the NBA Landscape

DeRozan Returns to Eastern Conference, Spurs Acquire Young, Aminu, and Draft Picks

In a surprising turn of events, the Chicago Bulls have acquired All-Star guard DeMar DeRozan from the San Antonio Spurs in a sign-and-trade agreement. The deal, which was announced on August 11, 2021, sends DeRozan to the Bulls in exchange for forwards Thaddeus Young and Al-Farouq Aminu, as well as the Spurs' 2025 first-round pick and 2022 second-round pick. The trade marks a significant move for both teams. For the Bulls, it adds a proven scorer and playmaker to their young and promising roster. DeRozan spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Toronto Raptors, where he became a four-time All-Star and the franchise's all-time leading scorer. He was traded to the Spurs in 2018 and averaged 21.6 points per game in three seasons with San Antonio. For the Spurs, the trade provides them with some much-needed flexibility and financial relief. Young and Aminu are both veterans with expiring contracts, freeing up cap space for the Spurs in the future. The draft picks acquired in the deal will also give the Spurs a chance to add young talent to their rebuilding roster. The trade is expected to have a major impact on both conferences. The Bulls are now considered a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference, while the Spurs will likely enter a rebuilding phase. The deal also has implications for the rest of the NBA, as it could trigger a series of other trades and roster moves in the coming weeks.