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Chicago Bulls: Trade packages with the Pacific Division

By Aaron Peterson

PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 20: D'Angelo Russell #0 of the Golden State Warriors reacts in the second quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers during their game at Moda Center on January 20, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 20: D'Angelo Russell #0 of the Golden State Warriors reacts in the second quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers during their game at Moda Center on January 20, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /

D’Angelo Russell will be traded from the Golden State Warriors; it is only a matter of when and where he will be moved.

Do not be surprised if D’Angelo Russell is still the starting point guard for the Warriors on Friday, as this deal is probably more likely to get done over the Summer than it is right now. However, there is also a real possibility that Russell finishes the 2019-2020 campaign on a different roster.

For those who follow the NBA, it is no secret that D’Angelo Russell is not going to be a Warrior for a long time, as he was simply moved to Oakland so that Golden State didn’t come away empty-handed when Kevin Durant left for Brooklyn. However, acquiring Russell will more than certainly get the Warriors more pieces to continue to dominate the NBA.

The problem for Chicago in making a Russell trade happen is that the Warriors could very likely command both Otto Porter Jr. and Lauri Markkanen, among other things, in return for Russell. Whether or not the Bulls are willing to deal Markkanen or not is unclear, but I do not feel that it is smart to deal Markkanen at the moment. Rather, offering the Warriors Coby White may be a smarter play for the Bulls and perhaps an even more enticing offer than Markkanen.

Picked 7th overall just one year ago, Coby White has shown that he has the potential to be an elite shooter in the NBA. His scoring potential is certainly there, and White’s skillset would transition perfectly to the Warriors’ offensive scheme.

Additionally, with White’s ability to play both on and off of the ball, he could serve as an elite bench piece or a starter.

Otto Porter Jr. is also a great fit in the Warriors’ scheme. The team more than certainly needs a small forward, and Otto Porter is one of the better ones in the league. Although his price tag often creates a negative image of him, Porter is an extremely serviceable forward with a skillset that is perfect for the modern NBA. This massive contract that OPJ is on is almost over, as he has a player option to exercise for next season. Perhaps the Warriors could convince him to opt out and take a long-term contract that is more team friendly than his current deal, but even if not he is only owed one more season of max money.

The two first round picks being sent back to Golden State are protected top-seven in 2021 and top-14 in 2023. It is unclear how the Bulls will play in the 2020-2021 season, but their 2021 selection could very well be a lottery pick, which the Warriors could use to increase the youth movement in the Bay Area or using it as a trade chip to win now.

Chicago, on the other hand, would be sending a lot of pieces out of the city, but would be gaining exactly what the team needs right now. Russell is still just 23 years of age and is an NBA All-Star. He is one of the league’s top offensive threat, as both a passer and a scorer, and has a lethal three point shot.

With the Bulls lacking star power, floor spacing, and offense, Russell is the perfect fit for this team. Even more exciting for the Bulls, Russell fits perfectly into the timeline that this team is on. It is not often at all that young All-Stars become available for trade, and the Chicago Bulls would be foolish to not at the very least kick the tires on a Russell trade.

Omari Spellman is a solid young player who is still on his rookie deal that could definitely play a role in Chicago’s future. The Bulls are in need of depth at the forward position, and the 2018 first round pick could certainly help with this. He has played well in his limited minutes in both Atlanta and Golden State and could continue to do the same as a Bull when called upon.

Glenn Robinson III has also had a very nice season in Oakland and could help get the Bulls into the playoffs by serving as depth and floor spacing from the three spot. His contract is set to expire after this season, but considering his age and skillset, it would not be impossible for the Bulls to re-sign him over the Summer.

The price of Porter, White, and a pair of picks is very steep, but players like Russell do not come around very often. In order to win in the NBA, superstars are a necessity, and an established one like Russell who fits this young group’s timeline is a more than ideal fit.

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