The Chicago Bulls have been embroiled in trade rumors for several seasons now, but these rumors usually involve sending out stars in order to kickstart rebuilds. There’s another path open to this team, however, and that’s trading to improve their chances right now.
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Jimmy Butler and the Chicago Bulls are currently seventh place in a decidedly disappointing Eastern Conference. They’re likely to make the playoffs as long as they don’t make any fire sale type trades, but don’t expect a very competitive series. Whether it’s the Boston Celtics, the Washington Wizards, or the Toronto Raptors, the Bulls don’t have a fighting chance to advance past the first round as is.
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Many would argue that the solution is to cease trying to make the playoffs, send Jimmy Butler to a contender like the Celtics, and hit the reset button. Here’s the problem with that: The Bulls make more money if they go to the playoffs, so that’s what they’re going to do. Besides, GarPax apparently aren’t going anywhere this offseason, and do you really want them in charge of the rebuild? I didn’t think so.
Blowing it up doesn’t seem to be in the cards for Chicago, even if we can’t be sure. But the Bulls shouldn’t just stand pat either. They’ll get downright embarrassed if they do. However, if the Bulls could upgrade at point guard without sacrificing too many future assets, they could be a whole new team. Here’s a way to make it happen:
The Trade
Bulls Receive: PG Jrue Holiday
Pelicans Receive: PG Rajon Rondo, PF Bobby Portis, 2017 First-round pick
From Chicago’s perspective, this is a deal that they make in a heartbeat. Holiday is head and shoulders better than any point guard on their roster, and he’s shooting 39 percent on 5.9 3-point attempts per 100 possessions. Adding a player like Holiday would completely transform the offense in Chicago, and allow Jimmy Butler to improve both his defensive effort and his offensive efficiency. Besides, are we at all confident in their ability to draft well anyway?
From New Orleans’ perspective, this deal ensures that they get something in return for a player who very well could leave for nothing in free agency this summer. Plus, they get an extra first round pick out of the deal, and a backup stretch 4 with potential in Bobby Portis. With the recent news that New Orleans is targeting DeMarcus Cousins in a trade, this pick could be even more useful in helping them close the deal.
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The Pelicans are desperate to add some talent that they can pair with Anthony Davis, but with all the talented point guards in this year’s draft, they’d be smart to deal Holiday and pick one up. If they can snag a player like Cousins too, all the better.
Meanwhile, the Bulls can finally add a sharpshooting point guard to the roster and make an honest try when the playoffs come around.
It may not be the 2017 Brooklyn pick, but if Chicago can nab Holiday in a trade, they should do it.