The countdown continues, with only three days left until the March 25 NBA trade deadline. The Chicago Bulls have been rumored to be looking for a point guard, but so far it’s only talk and nothing lucrative has surfaced.
The new front office pairing of vice president Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley have few very important needs to still fill on this current Bulls roster. They even have a few players that they may be willing to part ways with.
Things may get very interesting, with only three days left before the trade deadline unfolds. The silence from the Bulls front office does not give us any clues on what to expect. My thinking is to expect the unexpected as things may heat up in the next few days.
While we wait impatiently for some much-needed upgrades to this current Bulls roster, I propose two trades that I think will bolster this team and possibly help with a few problem areas still lingering. The Bulls could use some added help to up our chances of reaching the playoffs for the first time in four years.
Where can the Bulls look to upgrade this roster just days ahead of the looming March 25 trade deadline?
Chicago Bulls trade PG Coby White/2022 2nd round pick for New Orleans Pelicans PG Lonzo Ball
First up, we have a possible solution to fill that playmaking point guard need. This trade is with the New Orleans Pelicans. Swapping out points guards may benefit both teams, but mainly this trade gives the Bulls the better defender and decision-maker that they are not getting out of second-year point guard Coby White.
On the other hand, the Pelicans are getting a volume scorer. White gives the Pelicans another dimension on the offensive end that point guard Lonzo Ball does not. Adding the second round pick is just to sweeten the deal, for the Bulls it gives the guard spot much more security and a high IQ decision-maker.
Ball instantly is a point guard upgrade and would become more of a focal point on the Bulls, unlike the Pelicans where Ball is playing behind Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. On the Bulls he would become our next two-way player, Ball helps in late-game decision making and makes the simple basketball play most times.
Late game collapses turn into closeout games, after a lead heading into the fourth quarter. Say what you want about Ball but you cannot argue that he helps the Bulls right away.
Chicago Bulls trade F Lauri Markkanen for Orlando Magic F Aaron Gordon/ 2022 2nd round pick
Next, we have this swap of forwards. I already know I am going to get creamed for this one from the fourth-year power forward Lauri Markkanen fans but I’m okay with that. Just hear me out first; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon is a solid player. He has the strengths that we need in Markkanen.
He is a strong physical player, he plays above the rim and is a much better defender than Markkanen. Not to mention Zach LaVine seems to bring the competitive nature out of Gordon and together things could get very interesting. Both forwards have underachieved on their current teams so far.
With the Magic adding Markkanen they gain a solid three-point shooting big who can handle the ball. He comes with upside and is still a decent player no matter where he ends up.
I think Markkanen is a good player and has done well for the Bulls even with his injury history, but Gordon fills a need in the frontcourt and that is more important to this point. Adding the second round pick gives our pick back we sent to the Pelicans.
Chicago Bulls sign Andre Drummond after the Cleveland Cavaliers buy him out
Last, we need a center period. Why not? Even as a 32-game rental, Andre Drummond gives the Bulls a center that they don’t currently have. A rebounder, who is needed, a rim protector, we don’t have, physicality we don’t have, the five is such a need for the Bulls they should just do it.
If he doesn’t re-sign, so what, he helps us this season and with him, we are better. With Drummond in the lineup, the Bulls grab no less than the seventh seed, and then, no need for a play-in tournament.
After the season ends, let him go and look in the draft, or with more cap space going into next season the Bulls can sign the free agent center of the future. Point guard need would already be filled, so many options come to play to fill the five if he walks in free agency.
The excitement that comes with the trade deadline has been fun. Both the front office and head coach Billy Donovan are smart leaders, I trust whatever decision is made will be the right one. Who knows the decision of the future may be to not make a trade at all!