Although the Chicago Bulls’ chances of executing a deal ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline may appear slim to none, the team has a bit to offer.
Let’s take a close look at how the Chicago Bulls can make the best of any possible negotiations amid what seems like a never-ending, uphill battle to fix the team’s wing depth.
Nearly all season long, the biggest question hovering over the Bulls’ roster was wing depth. With the trade deadline nearing, it would seem the time is now to address the team’s need.
It’s clear the Bulls are no strangers to making swaps ahead of the trade deadline. About this time last year, the team sent, not only guard/forward Justin Holiday packing but also big men Bobby Portis and Jabari Parker.
The state of the Bulls organization was a different story at the time. The team wasn’t making a potential push for the playoffs. At best, the Bulls were looking to develop some chemistry amongst its young core.
A year later, the Bulls have all but silenced hopes of making some noise in the playoffs. The buzz is still heard, albeit muffled to a certain extent by a growing chorus of critics urging the team to tank.
Meanwhile, guard Zach LaVine continues to impress many as he awaits hearing if he’s been named an All-Star reserve.
The bad news is the Bulls organization announced earlier this week that big man Lauri Markkanen is sidelined for 4 to 6 weeks due to a pelvis injury. In doing so, the idea of tanking becomes all the more enticing. The Bulls’ front court was already thin in the absence of big men Wendell Carter Jr. and Daniel Gafford, both of whom are sidelined due to injury.
At the same time, some chatter around the league continues to indicate forward Thaddeus Young could be on the move ahead of the trade deadline, if the Los Angeles Clippers can have their way.
Would it behoove the Bulls to engage in talks with the Clippers?
I think not.
While I don’t believe Young makes for a perfect fit with the Bulls and their system, he is a good veteran that many locker rooms would be excited to have. He displays leadership. He does all the little things that make a difference in the outcome of a game. If the Bulls continue to make a playoff push down the stretch, the team will need Young more than they realize.
For now, let’s play devil’s advocate. Here’s a look at some trade ideas involving the Clippers and Young, all of which aim to fix the Bulls’ wing depth.