3. Bulls-Knicks-Clippers trade idea
In this scenario, the Bulls engage in talks with the Clippers and the New York Knicks in order to acquire Kevin Knox II, Dennis Smith Jr. and Reggie Bullock.
The Bulls certainly gain youth in such a hypothetical trade. The most veteran star acquired in this scenario is Bullock, and he’s been in the league for seven seasons.
It’s important to note how this hypothetical trade allows the Bulls to take a close look at two, former first-round draft picks that were highly touted by NBA scouts. At times, people have compared Knox to Tobias Harris and Kelly Oubre Jr. Meanwhile, Smith has drawn comparisons to guards such as Baron Davis, Steve Francis and Derrick Rose.
At the same time, this scenario doesn’t put the Bulls in a position to pick up the tab of big, lucrative contracts. Knox and Smith are both under rookie deals. Bullock signed a two-year, $8.2 million contract this past summer.
It’s important to note how this is not a scenario where the Bulls pick up the salary of a star that won’t warrant meaningful playing time. It’s quite the opposite. As one of the more established stars of the hypothetical deal, Bullock can provide the Bulls instantly with much-needed three-point shooting, which is something Young is a little more hesitant to do.
This scenario relies on the Knicks and their willingness to let Smith go, which I think they’d take little to no issue with. It’s clear that Smith is looking for a new beginning. In Chicago, he could find that opportunity. Smith has struggled to make a name for himself in the league, in part, because of shooting difficulties and injuries.
I acknowledge that it might seem like a hard sell to get Knox and Bullock included the same deal. However, it’s important to note how this scenario requires the Bulls to offer a future first-round draft pick to the Knicks as compensation. Additionally, the chances of the Knicks passing on a deal that would send Bullocks packing is not completely unlikely. Three-point shooters appear to be huge targets historically-speaking when the trade deadline nears.
One negative thing to note is if the Bulls turn to a trade of this type, the odds of the team winning more games is lessened. While I like Bullock’s fit with the Bulls, I don’t believe he moves the needle in the right direction in terms of providing the team with a stronger veteran presence to gain more wins. As such, this scenario provides a more balanced swap than meets the eye at first glance.
It doesn’t hurt knowing that the Bulls and the Knicks executed a trade with one another a few years ago. In fact, I believe it bodes well for another swap between the two teams ahead of the trade deadline.