Chicago Bulls: 3 early crucial offseason trade targets to watch

Lonzo Ball, PG

As the only player on this list that might not wind up being a true potential trade target for the Bulls this offseason, the New Orleans Pelicans two-way 6-foot-6 and 190 pound point guard Lonzo Ball could be a complicated situation for the front office. It’s clear that Karnisovas and the Bulls are interested in pursuing Lonzo in free agency this offseason, though.

Entering the offseason, it seems that the Bulls are most interested in pursuing Ball and Dennis Schroder of the Los Angeles Lakers among impending free agent point guards. The Bulls do have a looming need at the point guard position, with a lack of clarity as to if second-year former North Carolina Tar Heel Coby White or combo guard Tomas Satoransky can take control of the starting job.

Ball could add value for the Bulls in a few areas right out of the gates. The Bulls do need to add some help among perimeter defenders this offseason, and Ball is one of the better point guards in that regard in the NBA at this point in time. They could also get a true playmaker that is improving his shooting from deep if they’re able to sign Ball.

There are likely two ways that the Bulls could land Ball this offseason. The first is outbidding the likes of the New York Knicks and Pelicans (among other suitors) in restricted free agency to win over his offer sheet. And the other looks to be striking a sign-and-trade deal with the Pelicans to avoid a bidding war in restricted free agency.