2. Bulls-Suns-Clippers trade idea
In this scenario, the Bulls get Mikal Bridges and Tyler Johnson out of a three-team trade with the Clippers and the Phoenix Suns.
The hypothetical deal relies, in part, on the Suns and their willingness to part ways with Bridges in hopes of picking up a few more wins than is projected this season. In doing so, the Bulls get to take a close look at a wing that some scouts compare to the likes of Otto Porter Jr. and Covington. A trade of this type could prove to be more beneficial to the Bulls than they may realize in the long term.
Why, you ask?
In the event the Bulls decide Porter is not part of the team’s long-term future, Bridges could be the star that is hoped to fill the void. In limited action with the Suns, Bridges has shone flashes of sound ability and skill, despite some chatter around the league about having a “hitch” in his shot. He is currently averaging 7.5 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. Bridges is typically used as a reserve and is playing backup to Oubre. Since the Bulls can’t trade Porter at least for the time being, they might as well acquire a young wing that can assume a similar type of role.
It’s also important to note how the Bulls are required to pick up Johnson’s lucrative contract in this scenario. It remains unclear how much he would actually play if the Bulls acquired him. For one thing, it’s clear the Suns aren’t getting a ton of bang for their buck by having Johnson on the roster. He recently exercised the player option to pick up the final year of his current deal. Johnson is slated to become an unrestricted free agent after this season.