Chicago Bulls: 3 veteran guards to target in a trade

3) Chicago Bulls veteran guard targets

While the option is always out there for the Bulls to sign a veteran free agent guard, there’s not many out on the open market that bring value to the table for them at this point in time. That’s why hitting the trade market might be the best option for Karnisovas and Eversley this offseason. They can also fill other needs up and down the rotation if they trade for a veteran guard.

Since the Bulls elected not to hand out a qualifying offer to their best two defensive impending free agent guards this week, they need to add more ability on that end of the floor. The Bulls seem to be letting the likes of the former Providence Friar and 6-foot-4 point guard Kris Dunn and the former Tulsa Golden Hurricanes combo guard Shaquille Harrison walk in free agency.

The two qualifying offers that the Bulls did hand out this week went to the rookie shooting guard/wing Adam Mokoka and former Michigan State Spartans shooting guard Denzel Valentine.

So if the Bulls are going to target a veteran guard on the trade block this offseason, then why not look into a true defensive stopper to fill the void left by Harrison and Dunn?

That’s where the conversation of adding a guard like the Boston Celtics 26-year-old floor general Marcus Smart comes into play. The two-time All-Defensive Team and 2014-15 All-Rookie Team selection would be a nice fit with what the Bulls need heading into next season.

During the shortened 2019-20 regular season, Smart played in 60 games for the Celtics (40 of which he started in). And he averaged 12.9 points per game, 3.8 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.5 blocks. Smart shot 37.5 percent from the field, an improved 34.7 percent from beyond the arc, and 83.6 percent from the free-throw line.