1) Trades the Chicago Bulls could offer for Chris Paul:
There’s almost no way that the Bulls and Thunder can get salary matching done without sending OPJ to OKC. But this trade package involves a lot more than just OPJ going to OKC. The Bulls do have to mortgage part of their future and young core by shipping off power forward Lauri Markkanen to the Thunder to get an intriguing and potent return of Adams and CP3.
Since the Thunder are likely to part ways with standout veteran power forward Danilo Gallinari this offseason, getting Lauri to build around at the four spot would be a great move. Lauri might just need a change of scenery too after really struggling to find any traction with the Bulls in his third year in the NBA.
As mentioned previously, OPJ is tossed into the mix here to help the Thunder solidify the three spot in their starting five, or add a very talented sixth man. They also get veteran depth additions to the rotation in the form of combo guard Tomas Satoransky and Young. Sato is on a very team-friendly contract where the final year of his deal (during the 2021-22 season) is only partially guaranteed.
In this trade package, the Bulls would also be getting a very capable big man in Adams that could help continue to mentor Wendell Carter Jr., and might be able to play in the same frontcourt rotation with frequent minutes. Adams does carry a very hefty base salary around $27 million for next year, but it runs up after just one more season.