The NBA trade deadline is rapidly approaching, and the Chicago Bulls are in a prime position to be one of the league’s most active sellers.
With multiple attractive trade pieces and lackluster draft capital to begin a rebuild, the Bulls should be desperate to pull the trigger on deals that give the franchise a new direction.
Time to Finally Trade LaVine?
Denver Nuggets
- Nuggets Receive: Zach LaVine
- Bulls Receive: Michael Porter Jr., Julian Strawther, Vlatko Cancar
https://twitter.com/CHSN__/status/1869390558830936428
This move was heavily speculated back in December, and the Nuggets still appear to be looking to add talent to make another championship push with Nikola Jokic. LaVine’s ability to create his own shot would pair nicely with Jokic, allowing some of the stress to be lifted from the three-time MVP.
However, this would be a prototypical Chicago Bulls deal. While swapping LaVine for Porter Jr. certainly makes the team worse, it doesn’t move the needle far enough in the tanking direction. Since Chicago seemed hesitant to take on Zeke Nnaji‘s contract, perhaps getting 22-year-old guard Julian Strawther would make the deal worth it.
Strawther is having a productive year two in the NBA, doubling his points per game while shooting much more efficiently. The young Gonzaga product could move the needle for the Bulls if they want to add talent rather than acquire draft picks.
Orlando Magic
- Magic Receive: Zach LaVine
- Bulls Receive: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Moritz Wagner, Cory Joseph, 2025 FRP (Via Denver, Top 5 Protected), 2027 FRP (Top 14 Protected)
Taking on Caldwell-Pope’s contract certainly won’t be the first choice for general manager Marc Eversley. On the other hand, two lightly protected first-round picks would ease the pain.
This deal would be a significant first step in a tank operation, finally arming the team with draft picks to eventually fill the roster with young talent. On top of the future assets, adding the older Wagner brother amid his career-best scoring season would solidify a nice return on LaVine for the rebuilding Bulls.
Possible Vučević Trades
Detroit Pistons
- Pistons Receive: Nikola Vučević
- Bulls Receive: Simone Fontecchio, Bobi Klintman, 2029 FRP (Top 10 Protected)
https://twitter.com/nbagleague/status/1873913768515620985
The Pistons have the ammo and motivation to make a move as they look to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2019. Vučević would provide an instant offensive boost to the team as they look to hold on to their newfound momentum.
As one of the few teams with true cap space, Detroit can afford to take on veterans like Vučević. His contract is not unreasonable in length or money, and it certainly shouldn’t scare the Pistons.
The Bulls’ side of the deal focuses on acquiring a first-round draft pick in exchange for Vučević. Any deal that accomplishes this will be considered a success for Chicago. Furthermore, facilitating a deal with the Pistons could net the Bulls a young player like Klintman.
The 37th overall pick has yet to find real playing time in the NBA, but coming to Chicago for a rebuild could spark his development.
Los Angeles Lakers
- Lakers Receive: Nikola Vučević, Torrey Craig
- Bulls Receive: Gabe Vincent, Max Christie, Jalen Hood-Schifino
If a first-round pick is unattainable, making a move that directly acquires young talent is the next best option. The Lakers have long been rumored to have interest in Vučević, and they might be willing to part with a first-round pick to get it done. Convincing LA to part with Max Christie is a big ask, but desperation setting in as the Lakers sit on the verge of the play-in could make things interesting at the deadline.
Adding Vučević would create a new big three in LA and allow Anthony Davis to switch to his preferred power-forward spot.
From the Bulls’ perspective, getting Christie would be a big victory. The talented 21-year-old has established himself with the Lakers and is on a very team-friendly deal. Coming to Chicago would give Christie plenty of time to develop without the pressure of playing next to LeBron.
Patrick Williams
- Cavaliers Receive: Patrick Williams
- Bulls Receive: Max Strus, Jaylon Tyson
Time appears to be running out on Patrick Williams in Chicago, and a change of scenery could be in order. The former No. 4 overall pick has never truly found his shot, and his offensive development has been mostly stagnant. At this point, his ideal home would be on a team where he doesn’t have to be very aggressive on the offensive end.
One such place could be Cleveland.
The Cavaliers are in the middle of a magical season, and Williams’ defense can solve their long, athletic wing problem. “The Paw” brings defensive versatility, which is never bad for contending teams, and he doesn’t come at a high cost. Strus has been absent most of the season due to an injury, and Tyson rarely touches the floor. Both would see more playing time on a rebuilding Bulls roster.
The Bulls should make waves at the trade deadline, but fans shouldn’t expect a big splash. Even though the deals won’t be flashy, finding destinations for Zach LaVine and Nikola Vučević is the best thing Chicago can hope for.
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