BR says Harrison Barnes could be ‘home run addition’ for the Bulls

The Chicago Bulls could wind up being one of the more active teams in the Eastern Conference at the trade deadline again for the second straight year. While the Bulls aren’t likely to be as aggressive at the trade deadline this season compared to last, they could still be one of the more active buyers on the open market come next month.

Two of the more notable potential trade targets that are commonly mentioned in connection with the Bulls for the deadline this year are the Detroit Pistons star forward Jerami Grant and Sacramento Kings veteran standout forward Harrison Barnes. Grant and Barnes could both fill a need for the Bulls in the starting unit while elevating this entire rotation. Thus, the Bulls would elevate their contender status in the East at the same time.

It’s clear that the Bulls are seeking out help at the four. That is especially true considering the fact that second-year forward Patrick Williams is likely to still miss the rest of the regular season due to a wrist injury he suffered a few months back.

If there is any one area of the top unit for the Bulls that does stick out as a potential position of need, it is at the four. The Bulls had a revolving door among players in the starting unit at the four so far this season.

According to a piece from Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report on Jan. 27, Grant and Barnes should be two of the top three trade targets to watch for the Bulls at the deadline next month. He also mentioned the veteran Los Angeles Clippers forward Nicolas Batum as a potential trade target for the Bulls at the deadline on Feb. 10.

BR piece likes Harrison Barnes as a potential “home run addition” at the deadline for the Chicago Bulls

What Buckley had to say about the Bulls potentially going after Barnes at the deadline next month was actually very interesting. He seems to be high on the idea of the Bulls going after Barnes to bolster their starting unit.

Here’s more on what Buckley had to say about the Bulls potentially pursuing Barnes on the trade block next month.

"Harrison Barnes could be a home run addition. He fits at (and capably defends) either forward spot, hits his open shots (career 38 percent from deep) and can create his own offense in a pinch. He will pop every now and then and can carry an offense on those nights but will more often serve in a low-maintenance, rock-solid support role.Would he be worth the subtraction of Williams? That’s up to the front office to decide. In a vacuum, though, there is no question Barnes would be a big addition to the Bulls."

Buckley does note that the Bulls might have to send Williams to the Kings to get Barnes. I personally believe it would be easier for the Bulls’ front office to get a deal done with the Kings to get Barnes without giving up Williams compared to negotiations with the Pistons for Grant.

But only time will tell if executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley are able to get a deal done with either the Pistons or Kings to land a key forward that could make an immediate impact for the starting unit such as Grant or Barnes.

If the Bulls are going to make a big splash trade at the deadline on Feb. 10, it is almost assured to come to get help at the four. It doesn’t make sense for Karnisovas and the Bulls to try to make a big splash trade for help at any other position.