Pippen Ain't Easy
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Exploring Potential Trade Options for the Bulls

By Will Gottlieb

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One of the Bulls frontcourt players needs to go.

In bringing back Jimmy Butler, Mike Dunleavy and Aaron Brooks, the Bulls made it clear that by staying consistent with this roster they hope to maintain their relevance in the Eastern Conference. But their offseason moves beg the question: is simply adding Coach Fred Hoiberg to the mix enough to put the Bulls over the edge into the land of legitimate title contention?

In a perfect world (perhaps the same one in which Derrick Rose never tore his ACL), Hoiberg to Chicago is Kerr to Golden State. Hoiberg will hopefully provide a much more fluid offense, but the outcome remains to be seen. Most realistically, the return of this Bulls roster means another playoff exit at the hands of King James. A team too good to land a franchise changing player in the draft, but not quite good enough to make it over the hump.

Jun 2, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; New Chicago Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg speaks during a press conference at Advocate Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

The Bulls seem to be unique in their confidence for the current roster. Other teams, like the Spurs, have added marquee pieces to their rosters in LaMarcus Aldridge (they also signed David West at a serious discount), the Raptors have revamped with high-caliber players like DeMarre Carroll, and role players like Cory Joseph, Bismack Biyombo and Luis Scola.  Same with the Grizzlies who kept Marc Gasol but added Matt Barnes and the Clippers who dramatically retained DeAndre Jordan while incorporating Paul Pierce, Wesley Johnson, Cole Aldrich and Lance Stephenson. Greg Monroe switched Central division teams and gave the imminently dangerous Bucks a much needed inside scoring presence and facilitating big. Larry Bird has shown boldness and bravery to revamp the Pacers by introducing small-ball and adding Monta Ellis’ perimeter scoring and playmaking prowess to compliment George Hill and Paul George even at the expense of their frontcourt being a major question mark.  Either way, teams have made moves to get better.  The Bulls have not.

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I have been a firm believer that the Bulls would be able to get over the hump with the core they have, if they could finally become healthy.  And while this past season was not 100% injury-free, the Bulls had a golden opportunity to finally take the East from LeBron. With Kevin Love out with a shoulder dislocation and Kyrie Irving hobbled by a foot/knee/I don’t know exactly what injury, this was the Bulls chance and they couldn’t get it done.  At this rate, it seems as if the Bulls’ future is destined to resemble its past: being forced out of the playoffs by LeBron.

May 8, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) shoots against Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) during the first half in game three of the second round of the NBA Playoffs. at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

But all roads don’t have to lead to basketball purgatory for the Bulls.  With rumors firing about moving Joakim Noah, Pau Gasol or Taj Gibson, there is hope that the front office makes a trade to improve the team this season.

Despite a miserable season, Joakim Noah should not be the one to go. Joakim’s playmaking ability from the Center position, elite defensive presence, and character are irreplaceable for the Bulls.  Cliche as it may be, Joakim represents the heart and emotion of this team.  All great teams need a tough guy, someone with grit, emotion and fire.  We know Joakim underperformed, but when he is healthy, he will return to being an All-Star level Center.  The point is, the Bulls do not have another player like Joakim, and need him if this group has any chance to contend.

Pau and Taj, on the other hand, seem expendable. Especially with the continued rise to stardom from Nikola Mirotic and the drafting of Bobby Portis.

Pau, although he just turned 35, is coming off one of his best statistical seasons.  The All-Star Center possesses a winning résumé, complete with the ability to score in and out of the post, rebound, pass and has the length to protect the rim (at least a little bit). Pau’s value is currently as high as it will ever be. Teams know his age so he remains a tough sell, but it would behoove the Bulls to test his market value.

The 29-year-old Taj Gibson, on the other hand, is coming off a rough season, despite being a beloved Bull his entire career. Currently recovering from ankle surgery, Gibson is still an elite offensive rebounder with an under-appreciated offensive game and upholds a solid reputation around the league. Both he and Pau could be flipped for the right price.

The Bulls certainly need to add a piece, but it is hard to find a clear-cut type of player that would really put the Bulls in a position to contend this year. In my eyes, the two biggest needs are a shot-creating and bench guard to relieve some pressure from Derrick and Jimmy.  In Fred Hoiberg’s system, there is a lot of room for motion, drives and cutting. That said, the other important piece would be a slashing and cutting guy that can also play great defense and shoot the 3. Perhaps even more importantly, the Bulls front court just does not work together and someone needs to go in order to maximize the other’s talents.  Ideally, the Bulls would be able to move Pau, but Taj represents another viable option to improve the offensive fluidity.

Though trading big for small is generally a faux-pas, doing my best Sam Smith impersonation, here are a couple of situations that the Bulls should consider.

Pau and Dunleavy  for Trevor Ariza and KJ McDaniels. This trade couldn’t be completed until December 15 because Dunleavy and McDaniels just signed new contracts. However, Houston is always looking to add a superstar (even at the expense of role players) to the mix and compete with their Texas rival Spurs.  Pau could become a more of a spot up guy for the Rockets next to Dwight. Though they play the same position defensively, Terrence Jones could play heavy minutes off the bench, while Dwight’s waning athleticism would likely be enough to make up for Pau’s immobility. With Sam Dekker and Corey Brewer in the mix long term, the Rockets could be looking to move on from Ariza, but the Rockets would also add Dunleavy to step in and start at the 3 for the immediate future. Trevor Ariza would provide solid perimeter defense and a 35% 3 point shooting clip (40.7 % in 2014-2015 and 34.5 career) for the Bulls. The Bulls would also add McDaniels who showed potential during his time in Philly, and add youth and athleticism for the Bulls bench.

Taj for Jamal Crawford, C.J Wilcox and Jordan Hamilton.  With a crowded backcourt in LA, Jamal Crawford doesn’t really have a place in the Clippers rotation.  For Los Angeles, who is in need of post depth behind DJ and Blake, Taj would provide an immediate impact and be a much more effective option than Cole Aldrich. He would also be a nice compliment next to Josh Smith on the bench. This would work well for Chicago, as the former Bull, nostalgic about his days in the Windy City, could provide legitimate bench scoring in a pinch.

Taj for Rodney Stuckey. Again, this trade would have to wait until December because Stuckey just signed a new contract. Just because they want to play small, doesn’t mean they aren’t going to play defense. In replacing Roy Hibbert with Jordan Hill, the Pacers need a 4 man who can serve as a real rim protector with athleticism to fit their new system.  For the Bulls, Stuckey, Although he isn’t horribly efficient, could provide decent size and creation off the bench. With the addition of the aforementioned Monta Ellis, the Pacers have too many ball handlers and simply do not have a starting caliber power forward.

Pau for Evan Fournier and a 2016 first and a 2018 protected first.  Bear with me here. Evan Fournier showed flashes of brilliance early last season, great size, can stroke it. With an expanded role, he could become a regular scoring option for the Bulls off the bench.  With Scott Skiles as the new coach, they seem to be looking to change their culture.  After striking out on Paul Millsap, Pau could be the perfect consolation prize and turn the Magic into a playoff team this year. The point of this trade would be to allow Joakim to return to his most comfortable defensive position and add youth and assets to the Bulls.

Darre Collison for Taj. Maybe the Bulls can get in on the Vivek Ranadive, Vlade Divac insanity. The Kings need a four, and a good character guy to reinvent their reputation.  Taj could step in and finally become a full-time starter in the league, as well as a mentor to wildcard draft pick Willie Cauley-Stein. That said, with the Cauley-Stein pick, in addition to the signing of Kosta Koufos, Sacramento may not like the idea of overcrowding their frontcourt. With the additions of Rondo and Bellinelli, Collison was upset about being forced to a bench role, and could use a change of pace.  Though he would continue to play behind Rose, but could also play alongside him and Butler, moving Derrick off the ball.

Pau and Kirk Hinrich for Jrue Holiday, Toney Douglas and a future 2nd round pick.  New Orleans is looking to win now.  They had a fantastic run towards the end of their season, but are missing a key piece to make the next jump.  Adding Pau would allow them to solidify their front court, as he could start at center next to Anthony Davis, while losing Jrue wouldn’t hurt too bad.  They played while Jrue recovered from an injury and have Tyreke Evans to take over as full time point guard, playing the position at which he belongs. Jrue would be a fantastic pick-up for the Bulls, who would add another All-Star level playmaker to the backcourt to reduce Derrick’s minutes or play alongside both he and Jimmy.

Taj for Lou Will (Dec 15 for trade deadline purposes).  Reigning 6th Man of the Year would be a huge addition for the Bulls bench and instant offense for a team that has struggled in the half court.  Though he just signed in LA, Williams is going to have a hard time adjusting to having ball-dominant players in Jordan Clarkson, D’Angelo Russell, Kobe Bryant and Nick Young around him.  I could definitely see him wanting to be a part of a winning team, like he was last year with Toronto.  For the Lakers, Taj would sure up the frontcourt and add another defensive minded big to their frontcourt.  Roy Hibbert will need all the help he can get.  Taj could also provide great character and mentorship for Julius Randle.

Though some of these trades may seem divisive, the Bulls really need to move one of their bigs.  Pau and Joakim simply do not work together, and Joakim makes a lot more sense to keep long term. This, in addition to the imminent emergence of Nikola Mirotic as the 4 of the future, and the drafting of Bobby Portis, Pau and Taj are the most logical options for the Bulls to move.

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