The Chicago Bulls 26-year-old shooting guard Denzel Valentine is playing well of late, and his team should maybe consider keeping instead of trading him.
A common trade rumor surrounding the Chicago Bulls heading into the 2020 deadline is the potential dealing of shooting guard Denzel Valentine. The Bulls sit with a record of 19-30 after their Jan. 27 win at home at the United Center over the San Antonio Spurs by the final score of 110-109. That slots them well within striking distance of the Brooklyn Nets for the eight seed in the Eastern Conference playoff picture, and it could change the front office’s strategy heading into the 2020 trade deadline.
The three hottest names that could be on the trade block for the Bulls are Valentine, power forward Thaddeus Young, and point guard Kris Dunn. But Young and Valentine seem to have more traction with the possibility of getting moved than Dunn.
According to a report from K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago earlier this month, at least one team “expressed interest” in Valentine if trade discussions pick up. Valentine is a capable scorer that still presents value off the bench for any suitors looking his way.
He’s also in the midst of a contract year, so he is a low-risk option for any trade partners. But the Bulls should take a second look at trading him for something like a late second round draft pick if he’s presenting value for their team.
If the goal that John Paxson and Gar Forman along with head coach Jim Boylen had at the beginning of the season of making the playoffs stays in tract through the trade deadline, Valentine could help that push.
Here’s a look into the three reasons why the Chicago Bulls should really consider keeping shooting guard Denzel Valentine heading into the deadline.