1. Bulls-Nuggets-Clippers trade idea
In this scenario, the Bulls acquire Michael Porter Jr., Jerome Robinson and Maurice Harkless in a three-team trade involving the Clippers and the Denver Nuggets.
The hypothetical deal relies, in part, on the Nuggets and their willingness to part ways with Porter in hopes of making a deeper run in the postseason. In doing so, the Bulls get to take a close look at a wing that some scouts compare to the likes of Kevin Durant and Joe Johnson. 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?
Porter was once projected to be a top 5 draft pick by many scouts. A back injury is believed to have caused his stock to drop. Now, entering his second year, Porter is turning heads. He’s shown to be a valuable asset to the Nuggets in a limited role.
Will this work for the Nuggets and Porter moving forward?
I hope not.
A star with Porter’s ceiling belongs in a larger market and that’s something the Nuggets can’t offer. It’s clear that he could handle the increased responsibilities of playing in a more featured role.
Also included in the hypothetical deal are Harkless and Robinson, both of whom are no scrubs either. Harkless is currently at the backend of a multi-year contract, and Robinson is playing on a serviceable deal that makes the potential acquisition all the more savory.