Bulls Rumors: Ranking the likelihood of 5 recent trade proposals
Rating the likelihood of Bulls rumors: Domantas Sabonis
Joining Turner on the trade block is Indiana Pacers’ frontcourt partner Domantas Sabonis. It’s long been said that both players are natural centers, so it only makes sense for Indiana to wish to part ways with one in order to form a more cohesive starting unit.
Both Sabonis and Turner are 25-years-old, so in theory, both should be reliable building blocks for the future for whichever team ends up landing them. This also helps explain why the Pacers are only looking to move one of the two — not both.
Sabonis’ talent is undeniable, and a frontcourt pairing featuring both he and Vucevic would form a force to be reckoned with on the glass. Sabonis is averaging 18.3 points and 11.8 rebounds per contest, while also 4th in the NBA in total rebounds this season. Chicago’s shooters would undoubtedly allow Sabonis the room to continue operating effectively.
However, it’s hard to say whether or not Sabonis’ presence would allow the rest of the team to flow as cohesively. Zach LaVine and especially DeMar DeRozan thrive when the paint is clear and they’re given room to drive and operate in the mid-range. Sabonis isn’t a big enough threat from three to force teams to stick to him on the perimeter.
While acquiring Sabonis would certainly boost the name value on the team, it would come at the cost of gutting the bench talent and any remaining draft capital the Bulls still have. For a move that’s not likely to increase your odds of contention, this should be deemed too risky a decision by Karnisovas and Eversley.