Chicago Bulls: Which player should be traded first at the 2020 deadline?

3. Otto Porter Jr., Small Forward

Similar to the situation surrounding Markkanen at the moment, the Chicago Bulls aren’t getting what they hoped for out of veteran small forward Otto Porter Jr. so far this season. But the reasons why Markkanen and Porter Jr. aren’t producing at the level expected of them this season are very different.

The Bulls have this nagging problem year in and year out that is this string of unfortunate injuries. There seems to be a commonality that the Bulls need to modernize their medical staff, and be more transparent about injury news and recovery timelines, but that isn’t likely to happen anytime soon.

OPJ has only played in nine of the 32 games for the Bulls this season. He’s missed most of the regular season with a hairline foot fracture that is now reportedly expected to keep him out until around the All-Star Break. The Bulls can’t afford to have this lapse in wing depth that they’re facing right now. OPJ is just too important for the success of this team.

Maybe another fresh start for OPJ would be good for both him and the Bulls. He clearly made a positive impact down the stretch for the Bulls last season, but another team that has a need for veteran wing depth would make better use out of his nearly $28 million price tag. It might already be time for the Bulls to move on from Porter Jr. if the right suitor comes calling this season.