Chicago Bulls: Draft strategy assuming first overall pick possession
Option 3: Trade for an established star
The final option the Chicago Bulls have for dealing with the first overall pick would be to trade for an established NBA superstar.
It would not be surprising in the least if a lot more than just the rebuilding teams in the league inquire about the first overall pick. If the Bulls were to win the lottery, they could option to move the pick for an established superstar that fits the positional needs of the team rather than taking a wager on Williamson being the guy.
Enter Ben Simmons, the former Louisiana State standout and first overall pick in 2016. There have been rumors that Philadelphia could be moving on from him this summer. Concerns with regard to the salary cap and with Simmons’ lack of offensive improvement may incline the team to go a different direction, and Chicago’s hypothetical first overall pick could be the perfect swap.
For Philadelphia, the team could use the money they would need to extend Ben Simmons and put it towards resigning Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris. The team could then look to address the point guard position in free agency to find someone who better fits with Joel Embiid. In addition, the 76ers are able to keep their 2019 1st round pick and address the need for shooters, while also adding Antonio Blakeney to space the floor.
On the Bulls side of the deal, they gain a 22-year-old all star at a position of dire need. Simmons can become a generational talent if his offensive game improves, as he is already an elite defender and passer who would play great around the young scorers in Chicago.
A starting lineup of Ben Simmons, Zach LaVine, Otto Porter Jr., Lauri Markkanen, and Wendell Carter Jr. would wreak havoc on the association for years to come. Simmons could quite possibly be the final piece to a very young and promising Bulls core that could push them into contention sooner than later.
Next. Pre-Lottery 2019 NBA Mock Draft. dark
Chicago will have a lot to think about if they strike gold in the lottery, and although the decision with regard to what to do with the pick will be tough, it would be a great situation to be in.