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2019 NBA Draft: Chicago Bulls trading down wise?

By Kyle Williams

CHICAGO - MAY 15: NBA Deputy Commissioner, Mark Tatum awards the Chicago Bulls the number seven pick in the 2018 NBA Draft during the 2018 NBA Draft Lottery at the Palmer House Hotel on May 15, 2018 in Chicago Illinois. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO - MAY 15: NBA Deputy Commissioner, Mark Tatum awards the Chicago Bulls the number seven pick in the 2018 NBA Draft during the 2018 NBA Draft Lottery at the Palmer House Hotel on May 15, 2018 in Chicago Illinois. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Chicago Bulls are in a peculiar situation. They have a need for wings and point guard’s, but this draft isn’t too heavy on them. They should trade down.

In an interesting position for the NBA Draft, what is the best move for this rebuilding franchise in the Windy City? This team is currently slated to pick fourth in the draft which leaves them out of reach to take Zion Williamson or Ja Morant. With no perfect fit left, the Chicago Bulls should explore trading down.

The Chicago Bulls would have a top five selection if the NBA Draft started on March 31. At No. 4, It’s likely that the draft’s premier players – Zion Williamson, Ja Morant – will be off the board.

In addition to those two, one of R.J. Barrett and Jarrett Culver (who’s having a great tournament and likely sealing his case as a top 3 pick)  will likely be off the board by the time the Bulls pick. That leaves the Bulls with a dilemma, trade down, or reach on a player. I think the Bulls should look to trade down.

Last year you saw the Sacramento Kings take Marvin Bagley III over Luka Doncic. Deandre Ayton also went ahead of Doncic, but that wasn’t as controversial as Ayton was primarily seen as one of the top three prospects in last years draft.

The Kings went with Bagley because they felt he was the best player in the draft – of course, they did- and because of Bagley’s fit with the current roster. Taking Luka would have taken the ball out of De’Aaron Fox’s hands, and well, that decision has looked to pay off for them.

Fox made a huge leap from last season, turning averages of 11.6 points, 4.4 assists, and 2.8 rebounds into 17.6 points, 7.3 assists, and 3.8 rebounds according to basketball-reference.com. Vlade Divac didn’t take Bagley because he was the best player available, but because they felt he was the best talent that would fit with their core group of players.

Here’s a deeper look into the situation the Chicago Bulls are in right now, and why this front office should make the move to trade down in the 2019 NBA Draft.

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