NBA Rumors: Rival wing has Knicks on list of preferred trade destinations

It's that time of year again. Yes, it's the holiday season, but more specifically, we're creeping into trade season. On Dec. 15, players who signed free agency deals over the summer will be eligible to be traded, and that's when the fun typically starts.

The 2023-24 season is a little over a month old, and the New York Knicks have already been linked to a few players in trade rumors. That's what happens when an organization has stockpiled its assets for years with the hopes of bringing a star to the city.

Who knows when the Knicks will make their big move, and that's if that's still the route the organization wants to take. Former GM Scott Perry has advocated for New York to keep its core together and bring in a role player, similar to what Detroit did in 2004. Some fans feel the same as Perry. Until the Knicks do something, they will keep popping up in rumors.

It's no secret that the Bulls could have a fire sale before the deadline, as the team is No. 13 in the East with a 6-14 record. Zach LaVine will likely be the first Chicago player to go. Luckily, his camp is against a trade to New York. DeMar DeRozan will likely follow LaVine, as he is on an expiring $28.6 million contract.

DeMar DeRozan reportedly prefers to be traded to Knicks or Heat

The Athletic's Sam Amick reported that if the Bulls are open to trading DeMar DeRozan, the 34-year-old would want to go to the Knicks or Heat (subscription required). Jovan Buha of The Athletic reported that the Lakers are more interested in DeRozan over LaVine, so it's interesting that Los Angeles isn't on his list of preferred destinations.

DeRozan's numbers are a bit down from recent seasons, as he's averaging 21.3 points on 45% shooting from the field and 36.4% shooting from three.

Scott Perry also floated out the idea of New York trading for a wing that would allow for RJ Barrett to slide back to shooting guard and trading for DeRozan would do that. The question is what Chicago would want in return, as the Knicks shouldn't give up much for an aging player on an expiring deal.

While it's noteworthy that DeRozan prefers to be traded to New York, it's not up to him where he goes. There has to be mutual interest from both parties. Maybe the Knicks are interested in DeRozan, too. More should be revealed in the coming weeks as the Bulls continue downward and the trade deadline draws nearer.