2019 NBA Draft: Chicago Bulls absurdly rational trading down idea

Alright, before you guys go ballistic, hear me out. Currently, the Chicago Bulls are sitting at the 4th overall slot in April’s Draft.

With the first three selections, let’s take a look at who I would expect to be taken (excluding the Chicago Bulls)…

First Overall to New York: Zion Williamson, F, Duke University

Second Overall to Phoenix: Ja Morant, G, Murray State University

Third Overall to Cleveland: R.J. Barrett, F, Duke University

At this rate, the top three prospects that would make sense for the Chicago Bulls would include…

Cameron Reddish, F, Duke

Nassir Little, F, North Carolina

Darrius Garland, G, Vanderbilt

The 2019 NBA Draft class is unbelievably top heavy. Outside of the top three guys in Barrett, Williamson, & Morant, there is a significant drop off in talent. Not to say the rest of the class is weak, however, the fourth pick is an awkward spot because it is so close to the line between possibly franchise changing talent but is not quite a good enough of a selection to grasp it.

Point and case, I do not believe it would be in the best interest of the Chicago Bulls to retain their 2019 first round selection if it does not fall in the top three. The team would be wise to look to trade down and acquire another asset in the form of a young player or an additional pick.

Mind you, there is a lot of basketball to be played in the 2018-2019 campaign, however, the Bulls made a trade that a lot of tanking teams don’t do: they made a trade which actually made them better. Otto Porter Jr.‘s presence in Chicago will not necessarily skyrocket their draft pick, but he certainly isn’t going to bring them closer to a top three selection. (Please don’t get the notion that I think the Otto trade was bad, as I have loved the results so far)

The glaring need for this team is at the point guard spot, and the difference in draft value between Morant & Garland is great. Morant will be a sure-fire top three selection, while Garland could go anywhere from 8 to 20. Small forward could be a position the team looks at, even with the recent acquisition of a serviceable three and the selection of Chandler Hutchison in last year’s draft, and Barrett is the only one who seems to be screaming star. The last need for this team would be a backup center, and by no means would GarPax be looking to fill that void in this spot.

The numbers just don’t add up. Its an awkward position being a rebuilding team and contemplating trading away a very high draft selection. However, think about the Atlanta-Dallas deal at last year’s draft.

The Mavericks traded up to the third draft spot for Luka Doncic, and in return the Hawks received the fifth overall choice in Trae Young & the Mavs’ 2019 selection. The Bulls should try to mimic Atlanta and trade back in order to gain an additional draft pick. It makes too much sense.

It will be interesting to see how the rest of the season plays out. I would be surprised to see Chicago picking top three this season. I very much hope they do, however if they are unable to fall in that realm, trading back is the