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Chicago Bulls: Jabari Parker ideal trade deadline piece

Andrew Miller|
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 29: Jabari Parker #2 of the Chicago Bulls prepares to pass during the second quarter of the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 29, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 29: Jabari Parker #2 of the Chicago Bulls prepares to pass during the second quarter of the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 29, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

If any players is on the move for the Chicago Bulls at the 2019 NBA Trade Deadline this week, forward Jabari Parker could be it.

If the 2018-19 regular season proved anything for the Chicago Bulls, it’s that there are a few pieces emerging as something to build around moving forward. But, a few players also separated themselves as ideal trade deadline pieces for the Chicago Bulls to shop. Mainly, players like the former Duke Blue Devils top three NBA Draft selection Jabari Parker are looking to be on their way out of the Windy City.

Parker had high hopes of making some headway for his NBA career with a rebuilding team in Chicago. Up until a nice spurt of offensive performances throughout the past dozen games or so, Parker largely flatlined during the 2018-19 campaign.

The salary for Parker isn’t extreme enough that the Bulls can’t unload it to a team that needs to add a depth piece to the rotation. Sending Parker to a team that will better utilize his skill set during a potential run through the playoffs could be the breath of fresh air he so surely needs.

Moreover, the numbers Parker is posting this season are good enough to get a legitimate playoff contender interest in bringing his production as a key piece of the rotation. Parker is averaging 15.1 points per game, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. That is respectable to the point where somewhere will give him the chance to contribute with a good set of minutes on the floor.

Yet, in terms of actual rumors that have some backing amid the Parker trade discussions, the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly in talks with the Chicago Bulls. The framework at least seems to be in place for a deal with the active deadline shoppers that will be the Lakers. Both the Lakers and Bulls are two of the more active deadline teams on the trade block it seems.

A few players that could fall in place for a trade between the Bulls and Lakers include Parker for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Lonzo Ball, among others. The Lakers are always an intriguing trade partner for a team like the Bulls, but there are some others to keep in mind.

Other reports indicate that the Utah Jazz could be a trade partner for a deal involving Parker if the Chicago Bulls want to send him out west. Both the Jazz and Lakers are playoff contenders in the West, to varying degrees. With superstar LeBron James returning to the Lakers lineup to face the Indiana Pacers on Feb. 5, that group could really start heating up.

The 2019 NBA Trade Deadline is sure to bring a ton of drama with it, especially for planned heavy sellers like the Chicago Bulls. When you have trade pieces to work with like Parker, there can be a fruitful market of options at your disposal.

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