The Chicago Bulls have traded Derrick Rose to the New York Knicks. With over $21 million off their books and a fresh start without the former MVP, what’s next for the organization?
Derrick Rose not being a member of the Chicago Bulls is going to take some getting used to fans, media members and everyone with knowledge of the franchise.
It was a move that probably isn’t popular with many who grew to love and admire Rose’s explosiveness, flashiness and ability to entertain in the spotlight.
But, the NBA is a business and the Bulls (and Rose for that matter) needed a fresh start to step back, breathe and start anew.
Even Rose himself saw that.
Bulls knew they had to address Rose-Butler dynamic. They also knew Rose was walking in 17.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) June 22, 2016
With the move, it’s clear the Bulls want to build around Jimmy Butler. They sent him to the NBA Draft Lottery early this summer as their representative, he’s set to try out for the United States Men’s Olympic Team and they’ve held him close to the roost with teams reportedly chomping at the bit for his services.
So, what do the Bulls do next?
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Believe it or not, there’s the draft on Thursday night. That’s a good start.
The Bulls still have their two picks for Thursday’s draft and with their new additions — Jerian Grant, Jose Calderon and Robin Lopez — the Bulls are looking to retool their roster.
Grant’s a good young option as a guard that’s most valuable in the pick-and-roll offensively and Lopez is one of the better defensive options as a true center in the NBA.
Calderon could play in limited minutes and shoot from deep, but there’s a good chance the Bulls buy his contract out and he becomes available.
If that’s the case and the Bulls don’t bring back Aaron Brooks (they shouldn’t) or E’Twaun Moore (they should try to), looking for another point guard at No. 14 could be an option.
Good point from @joe_spears7: With Grant in Chicago, Paxson being a Notre Dame guy ... Demetrius Jackson at No. 14?
— Michael Whitlow (@couldbelikemike) June 22, 2016
Their second pick of Thursday could go to drafting towards drafting a big man (with Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah both likely out the door this summer) and there’s no telling what they do tomorrow as well.
The Bulls are likely not done maneuvering pieces around the roster and Thursday could bring some more news. They’ve been known to make some draft night moves in the past.
It’s going to look insanely weird not seeing Derrick Rose wearing a No. 1 jersey for the Bulls anymore, but the Bulls are working towards what they’ve needed to do and that’s get younger and bring in veterans to round out a good roster in the Eastern Conference.
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Grant will enter his sophomore year next season and Lopez will be just 31 years old when his deal expires in 2019. Add in another young guard like Jackson or Wade Baldwin IV with Lopez, Cristiano Felicio, Bobby Portis and Nikola Mirotic up front and you might have something in the future.
The deal obviously hits home hard. Losing Rose hurts for the city of Chicago. He was a homegrown star, a state champion at Simeon High School and the youngest MVP in league history.
Next: TRADE: Bulls trade Derrick Rose to the New York Knicks
On top of that, the Bulls also lost a solid player in Justin Holiday and a second-round pick in 2017.
But, Rose knew what he was going to do after this upcoming season. The front office knew as well.
Why not address it now and get everybody what they want? Rose wanted a new home and the Bulls wanted to rearrange their roster around a younger star.
Everybody wins.