Chicago Bulls: 3 players that will most likely be traded for in the offseason

Frank Ntilikina could improve the Chicago Bulls on defense

Another potential sign-and-trade deal that the Bulls could try and work on this coming offseason is one that involves the defensive stopper guard from the Knicks, Frank Ntilikina. Currently in the midst of the final year of his rookie contract, and not set to get starter-level money in restricted free agency, Ntilikina could be a bargain bin find for the Bulls.

“Frankie Smokes” got to play under the direction of former Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau with the Knicks this season. And he’s essentially established a permanent role for himself as a defensive stopper with the Knicks. Unfortunately for him, his playing time has essentially dwindled down to next to nothing for most of the season thus far.

The former eighth overall pick of the Knicks in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft has only played in two dozen games this season, averaging just south of 11 minutes on the floor per game. As the Knicks have built out the roster around the likes of former Bulls star point guard Derrick Rose and first-time All-Star power forward Julius Randle this season, the role of Frankie Smokes gradually declined.

Frankie Smokes would certainly bring an elevated defensive presence to the Bulls’ backcourt rotation, which is something they don’t really have from a young guard at the moment. Ntilikina has continued to play well for the Knicks defensively when called upon this season. He’s averaged around two steals per 36 minutes this season and 0.5 blocks. Ntilikina also posted a solid 1.9 defensive box plus/minus rating and a 2.9 steal percentage so far this season.