The Chicago Bulls are yet again in the midst of a mediocre season.
Despite trading away DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso last offseason, the Bulls are still on the cusp of .500 and in the play-in range. Like in past seasons, the Bulls are good enough to entertain but not good enough to compete. The team’s measly two playoff appearances since 2016 have fans increasingly frustrated with the front office’s refusal to commit to rebuilding the team.
It’s long past time to acknowledge that the Bulls roster, as currently constructed, has no path to NBA relevancy. The obvious choice is to rebuild and develop a roster full of talent that can eventually compete. With the trade deadline looming, the Bulls must examine the current roster and decide where their future lies.
CHICAGO BULLS TRADE PIECES
Zach LaVine: SF, 29
LaVine has been the subject of trade rumors for most of the last two years, and the longest-tenured Bull has reminded everyone this season of his scoring prowess.
The two-time All-Star is shooting a career-best 44.7% from three-point range this year. However, his age and contract status don’t align with the timeline of a rebuild, making him a prime candidate to be dealt away.
Nikola Vučević: C, 34
Speaking of offense, Vučević has continued to be a double-double machine this year.
On top of averaging 20/10, he’s also dramatically improved from beyond the arc, jumping from 29.4% to 45.3% this year. Like LaVine, his age makes him incompatible with a rebuild, and the best option would be to trade him away.
Torrey Craig: SF, 34
Craig hasn’t had much of a role with the Bulls but has done well in his limited appearances. Contending teams should value his experience and shooting ability, and the Bulls would be best served by getting whatever they can for him.
Jevon Carter: PG, 29
After a rough first season in Chicago, Carter has seen his minutes cut in half this year. Like Craig, his ability to slot into a bench role on a contender might appeal to teams running out of options at the deadline, and the Bulls should take any chance to get something for him.
EXPENDABLES
Patrick Williams: PF, 23
“The Paw” has been a steady presence on the defensive end, but his lack of offensive improvement is cause for concern.
He’s averaged 10 points per game for the last three seasons, and his FG% has dropped below 40% this season for the first time in his career. While the Bulls certainly have time to hold on and develop Williams, his relatively team-friendly deal might be of interest in the trade market.
Lonzo Ball: PG, 27
Ball finally returned to the court this season after a 1,006-day absence, and he’s had an instant impact. His defensive tenacity and playmaking ability have paired nicely with the team’s fast pace.
However, how close he can get to his former self remains unknown. If there’s any interest at the trade deadline, the Bulls should consider moving on from Ball to replace him with higher-ceiling players in the future.
Jalen Smith: C, 24
Smith has been a solid bench center for the Bulls, but he’s not essential.
He boasts the highest total rebound percentage on the team and can knock down the three, which could be interesting to center-needy teams.
Talen Horton-Tucker: SG, 24
To put it simply, THT is a bonafide scorer.
In his limited role with the Bulls, Horton-Tucker has made it known that he’s a scoring threat from anywhere. However, his minutes will not increase soon in Chicago, and the Bulls shouldn’t feel the need to hold on to him.
WAIT AND SEE
Coby White: SG, 24
In the 2023-24 season, White nearly doubled his points per game and finished runner-up for the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award.
Many believed he could continue this trend and make the next jump this year, but White has taken a step back. He’s scoring less with worse efficiency. Fans shouldn’t give up on White, but he needs to take meaningful strides forward to earn his next contract in Chicago.
Ayo Dosunmu: SG, 25
The Chicago kid has been a fan favorite since being drafted 38th overall by the Bulls in 2021.
He has a case to be the best perimeter defender on the roster and combines it with enough scoring ability to be a mainstay in the Bulls’ closing lineup. Dosunmu is more of a complementary piece and could be a key player for the next era of Bulls basketball.
Josh Giddey: PG, 22
Giddey’s contract expires this summer, and he will be a restricted free agent. As such, his season should be heavily scrutinized as the Bulls decide whether to match his market value. Giddey is an all-around offensive player who has even flashed some three-point shooting ability this year.
However, he makes up for what he has in offense by lacking in defense. After being benched by Oklahoma City in the playoffs last year, Bulls head coach Billy Donovan has continued the trend by frequently benching him in favor of Dosunmu in late-game scenarios. Giddey has excellent potential but desperately needs to develop his defensive ability.
Julian Phillips: SF, 21
Phillips is only in his second season, but he’s improved with an upgraded role. He’s an explosive athlete who doesn’t hesitate to show that with flashy dunks and big blocks. It’s too early to designate Phillips as anything other than an intriguing young player.
Dalen Terry: SG, 22
Terry has also seen a slight uptick in minutes this season, and so far, he’s been up to the task.
He’s become more efficient on the field and has shown the ability to get to the basket sometimes. Terry is in a similar boat as Phillips— too early to tell.
UNTOUCHABLE
Matas Buzelis: SF, 20
The Bulls have only one player who should be considered untouchable, and that’s 11th overall pick Matas Buzelis. Many expected him to be off the board when the Bulls made their selection, so the Bulls were thrilled to be able to select him in the 2024 draft.
To say he has bounce would be an understatement. Even in a bench role, Buzelis has frequently impressed with his athleticism. He’s also flashed a shooting ability that could be sustained, making him the total offensive package. Buzelis has sky-high potential and is someone the Bulls will surely keep around for the long haul.
The Chicago Bulls need to hit the reset button, and plenty of options exist to make that happen. It’s simply a matter of making the tough choice to move on.
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