There’s an old saying that “Whatever must happen ultimately, should happen immediately.”
Those words are still applicable today, particularly with the Chicago Bulls. It’s readily apparent that Patrick Williams is nothing more than a role player on a roster chock full of them. The team is at a crossroads, and it’s time to make a bold move. They need a potential dynamic starting-level talent in the frontcourt.
Trading for Jabari Smith Jr. could be the shake-up this team desperately needs.
There were reports coming into the year that the Houston Rockets could be open to moving the talented former No. 3 draft pick. The Rockets have shifted their focus to building around Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun, leaving Smith somewhat on the periphery. Houston’s roster is brimming with young talent, including Reed Sheppard, Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, and Cam Whitmore. A few of those names will be eligible for extensions soon too.
Blood is in the NBA Trading Waters
Other teams are starting to take notice.
SBNation’s Seth Gupwell recently floated a trade scenario involving the 76ers and the Rockets. The deal saw the Rockets receiving unprotected draft picks with Jared McCain viewed as the main target. But if the Sixers consider acquiring Jabari Smith with an unproven draft pick like McCain, the Bulls should certainly be able to leverage Coby White in a similar deal.
Trade rumors have also been swirling around the Portland Trail Blazers, who could potentially look to reset their roster and build even more around their young talent in Scoot Henderson, Deandre Ayton, and Shaedon Sharpe.
Why a swap with Chicago makes sense
Jabari Smith Jr., despite not living up to his draft pedigree, remains a tantalizing prospect.
Houston’s offense, however, has lacked consistency and 3-point shooting, even with Fred VanVleet’s steadying play. Also, VanVleet has a hefty contract with a team option for next year. The Rockets might not be able to afford him and maintain cap flexibility. Plus, they could decide to hand over more play-making duties to Amen Thompson.
The Rockets might be considered a young team, but they have playoff aspirations. Veteran head coach Ime Udoka seems poised to help his team take the next step in realizing those goals. Receiving unproven young players and or draft picks does little to help them now.
The addition of Coby White could provide the Rockets with the dynamic backcourt they have been looking for to run with the high-powered offenses out west. White is a bucket-getter and capable ball handler who could help take some scoring pressure off of their young core.
For the Bulls, Jabari Smith represents a young big with offensive upside and the potential to anchor a struggling defense.
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While he hasn’t yet shown the consistency expected of a top-three draft pick, the shooting ability he flashed in college and defensive potential are undeniable. Playing alongside a pass-first guard like Josh Giddey could unlock Smith’s abilities as a cutter while also helping to cover some of Giddey’s defensive shortcomings.
Pairing Smith with Patrick Williams could also be a game-changer. Williams, who has benefited from the departures of DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso, could thrive more as a 3-and-D player without the pressure of expanding his perimeter skills. This move might also push Williams to elevate his game, especially with Matas Buzelis vying for a rotation spot.
The Bulls have struggled to find takers for Zach LaVine due to the new CBA, and Coby White’s talent and cheaper contract make him a tradeable asset. It’s time for Chicago to make a decisive move and salvage the wasted potential of their uniquely skilled offensive roster.
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