3) Chicago Bulls draft trades with the Sixers
An intriguing trade possibility exists for the Bulls to dish out the sizable contract of the 6-foot-10 and 270 pound power forward/center Cristiano Felicio to the Sixers for something that won’t cost them all that much. In this particular trade package, the Bulls sacrifice one key piece of the young core to add depth at a key spot and add more freedom to the cap sheet.
Here the Bulls part ways with two big men, both Felicio and to-be fourth-year power forward Lauri Markkanen, along with their 44th overall pick in the second round of the draft. Trading Markkanen doesn’t seem like the best idea on its surface, but if they can get a good return it could be really worth it.
The Bulls add some stretch forward potential to the frontcourt rotation by getting the veteran power forward Mike Scott. The main part of this trade package, though, for the Bulls would be acquiring the 6-foot-5 and 200 pound 27-year-old shooting guard/wing Josh Richardson. By landing Richardson, the Bulls both add wing depth and can help move forward this roster with a very team friendly contract.
There is a bit of draft movement that the Bulls have to move back on in this trade package, to add a bit of appeal to Daryl Morey and the Sixers. But getting Felicio off the cap sheet, while adding two really solid pieces to the rotation at different spots, is a move that could be well worth it for the Bulls. The fact that Markkanen is entering the final year of his rookie contract is another reason why Karnisovas could be pushed over the edge to make this type of move.