Chicago Bulls: 3 buyout candidates that could help right away

2) Buyout market options that fit in right away: Andre Drummond

Maybe the biggest looming need for Karnisovas and the Bulls to fill out Donovan’s rotation ahead of the trade deadline is a center that hits the glass hard and can protect the rim. The Bulls have often been dominated in the paint on both ends of the floor since the turn of the calendar year. Third-year center Wendell Carter Jr. and second-year rim running big man Daniel Gafford haven’t got the job done to this point.

This is where the Bulls could catch a nice stroke of luck if their Central Division foe Cleveland Cavaliers do decide to buyout former Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond. While this does all depend on whether the Cavaliers can find an advantageous trade involving Drummond at the deadline, he might very well be hitting the buyout market this year.

Drummond is currently in the midst of the final year of a sizable contract that pays him well north of $25 million annually. But the Bulls wouldn’t be taking on any large contract over the long haul if they were just to land Drummond via the buyout market.

At this point of his career, Drummond already looks to be one of the most efficient rebounders in NBA history. And he can protect the rim well. The two-time NBA All-Star selection and four-time rebounding champ Drummond has averaged a whopping 13.5 rebounds per game this season, along with 1.2 blocks.

Drummond currently leads the league in defensive rebounding percentage (north of 37) and is tops among active NBA players in total rebounding percentage for his career (north of 26). He would be a good option to solve a lot of the Bulls woes if the Cavaliers do decide to buy him out this year in the end.