NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The Chicago Bulls will be the team to watch during the NBA Trade Deadline. Much like the Toronto Raptors, the Bulls have players teams will call about. The difference is, that the players they have are true difference-makers. The kind of guys who can move the needle to win a championship for sure.
Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic, and Alex Caruso could all be on the trade block if the Bulls continue to show no fight. Once considered the team to beat in the Eastern Conference when they came together, the Bulls have done nothing but underachieve.
The trade rumors surrounding this team have been strong dating back to last season. However, no moves were made. As they struggled out the gate this year, the whispers have become louder and there is no reason the Chicago Bulls should hold on to this core any longer.
What may hold up any deal now is money. LaVine is still signed through the 2026-27 season but has a Player Option that year. Not a bad deal years-wise as he’s only 28 but he’s due to be paid around $43M per season. That’s a lot of cash for a one-dimensional player who has not led a team. Which organization is willing to give up players and picks for a high contract and a player that’s either a 2nd or 3rd option?
Who Will The Chicago Bulls Trade
Then you have DeRozan. At the age of 34, how many good years does he have left? DeRozan can still get you buckets but his defense has taken a hit over the last few years. He’s set to become a free agent in 2024 so he could be seen as a rental. DeRozan will make $28.6M and a team will have to carry half of that. Not a bad deal but he’s no longer a No. 1 option. But if you had to choose between the two, DeRozan is a safer play here.
The Chicago Bulls also will have to decide on their starting C, Nikola Vucevic as well. Although he just signed a 3-year extension, one would have to believe that was thought this core would be winning. Now they can throw everything out the window. Vucevic, at the age of 33 can still add points in the paint as well as rebounding for a contender.
Besides their three best players, the Bulls have role guys who should not be untouchable such as Caruso and Andre Drummond. Both players should draw interest from the team in need of a PG who plays defense and a big man who loves to eat the glass.
As far as DeRozan and LaVine go, they have been matched with almost every team in the league. Where they will end up is a Fanduel bet. Vucevic could draw interest from a team like the Memphis Grizzlies or Dallas Mavericks who need rebounding and scoring from the paint.
As the trade deadline grows closer, the Chicago Bulls will be mentioned plenty. They have veteran pieces that contending teams need. But can a deal be struck or will they be forced to ride this out another seaosn? If anyone were to move, the betting man should place his funds on DeRozan first.
