1) Early season Chicago Bulls trades with Sixers for Simmons
Very similar to the last trade deal mentioned in this piece, the Bulls could still part ways with a good portion of their young core if Karnisovas and Eversley feels it’s worth it to get Simmons in the mix. The Bulls still give up LaVine and Markkanen in this particular trade deal, but Karnisovas hypothetically adds third-year center Wendell Carter Jr.
Two of the most interesting potential trade chips that the Bulls have on the roster this season are WCJ and OPJ. The former of those two is still trying to find his way in the NBA, and he’s versatile enough to greatly appeal to the Sixers new building core. WCJ might be a bit of a frontcourt clog alongside Embiid, but adding that depth isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Markkanen might be able to slot in the starting five for the Sixers, and WCJ could fill more of a sixth or seventh man role off the bench in the frontcourt rotation. It would also be a seamless fit for the Sixers to place LaVine alongside the likes of veteran shooting guard Danny Green, rookie point guard Tyrese Maxey, and sharpshooting guard Seth Curry. That would be a lot of offensive help to take the pressure off LaVine.
To stockpile some depth back in the frontcourt rotation for the Bulls, after giving up WCJ and Markkanen, they get veteran stretch power forward Mike Scott back from the Sixers. They would likely have to turn to another trade or the free agent market to bring more depth back into the frontcourt. That part of the discussion would be worth it to get Simmons, though.