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A pair of Chicago Bulls trades that should happen in first year of rebuild

By Matt Bessetti

PHILADELPHIA,PA - APRIL 6 : Robin Lopez #8 of the Chicago Bulls shoots the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on April 6, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA,PA - APRIL 6 : Robin Lopez #8 of the Chicago Bulls shoots the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on April 6, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Chicago Bulls can still make a move or two in the midst of their rebuild this season. Let’s take a look at two moves that should be under consideration.

The Chicago Bulls, for better or worse, have embarked on this full-on rebuild.

I actually have really come around to the thought of that being the way to go. No way were the Bulls ever going to pay the next contract for Jimmy Butler and the Bulls were continuously stuck in that middle ground. Now, they actually have the path to something much, much better in say, three years.

Adding a top-3 pick next year is the next absolutely crucial step to making this work. Coming away with Mizzou’s Michael Porter, Jr., Duke’s Marvin Bagley III or Real Madrid’s Luka Doncic is essential to go with Kris Dunn, Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen, plus potentially guys like Bobby Portis, Denzel Valentine, Jerian Grant, Cristiano Felicio and Paul Zipser. This season should be about watching those eight guys play more than anything else.

As the roster stands, assuming Nikola Mirotic is back of course, I am of the mindset that we have two trades that still need to be made to fully commit to getting consistent playing time for these eight guys that were previously mentioned. Those trades involve Dwyane Wade and Robin Lopez.

Now, in the case of Wade, a buyout might be the way it goes and if so, I am perfectly fine with that. There is no need for Wade on this roster and he needs to be on a contender to close out what’s been an awesome career in the NBA.

On the other hand, Lopez should be traded and the Bulls should get either a late first or early second-round pick back in return, which would give the Bulls additional assets moving forward. Assuming Mirotic is back, playing him with Felicio, Markkanen and Portis leaves no time for Lopez. He should fit well on a number of contenders, including possibly the Portland Trail Blazers (again), Milwaukee Bucks, the Boston Celtics and several others.

Moving forward this season with a rotation where the young guys get consistent time together will help with two goals: 1) going into full-blown tank mode in preparation for a top-3 pick in 2018 and 2) allow the Bulls organization to figure out who fits moving forward in this rebuild.

Next: ESPN predicts Bulls to finish last in Eastern Conference this season

This is going to be a long process and the first huge step in trading Jimmy Butler has been made, but now moving on from Wade and Lopez are the next necessary moves.

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