Pippen Ain’t Easy’s 2015 NBA Mock Draft for Chicago Bulls

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Sep 29, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls general manager Gar Forman during media day at the Advocate Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

WE’VE GOT TRADE OPTIONS! (Two of them to be exact.)

Pippen Ain’t Easy Staff Writer Adam Howes (@Howsito):

OK, so instead of going with a straight-up pick at No. 22, I thought I’d work the phones like Gar usually would for the draft. I’ve come up with two trade up scenarios.

TRADING UP OPTION #1 – This package consists of the Bulls 2015 first-round pick (#22), Taj Gibson and the Sacramento pick which could then be used to trade to the Charlotte Hornets for Marvin Williams and their ninth overall pick. Williams is a more than capable defender and can hit the three, which fits in Hoiberg’s system. Taj Gibson would be a nice fit for the Hornets front line next to Al Jefferson. So we’d also be doing Michael Jordan a solid in the process, which I think he’s earned.

With Charlotte’s pick at No. 9, the Bulls then select Murray State point guard Cameron Payne. Payne has shot up NBA Draft boards of late, and much like the coveted Jerian Grant, Payne can score, defend, shoot the three and distribute the ball well. It’s a choice selection for those who enjoy tossing around the term “D-Rose insurance”.

(Note: I think Derrick is going to be perfectly fine, but I digress)

Mar 19, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Stanley Johnson (5) celebrates with forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (23) against the Texas Southern Tigers during the first half in the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Godofredo Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

TRADING UP OPTION #2 – A package consisting of the Bulls 2015 first-round pick (#22), Taj Gibson and the Sacramento pick, then trading with the Miami Heat for Josh McRoberts and Miami’s pick at No. 10 on Thursday. The Bulls get a scrappy stretch-four in McRoberts, who would most likely become a fan-favorite with his approach to the game (and also give Butler and Noah a run for their money in the hairdo department).

With Miami’s pick, the Bulls could then select Stanley Johnson. Johnson is probably the most NBA-ready wing in the draft, and he could potentially ease the defensive work load that Butler has had to carry, while also freeing Butler up to produce even more offensively.

Next: PAE Staff Writer Nick Jordan selects...