Why the Bulls shouldn’t make a big trade this year
Chicago Bulls trade? You hear it every year. You may have even said it yourself.
“The Bulls need to make a splash and go all in”. It is a very tempting idea, especially considering their surprisingly lengthy stay atop the East (for now), as well as the uncertainty surrounding the rest of the conference. However, making a big splash in the trade market this year would be foolish.
I realize conventional thinking on the subject tells you that the window for a championship is now, but what if the Bulls make that splash and don’t win it all? What did they lose? Patrick Williams, Coby White, and or Ayo Dosunmu?
Or, what about all three?
Who did the Bulls lose any or all these young studs for? I’m betting the mystery player(s) won’t be as good as who will be available next year or in 2023.
Williams and Dosunmu should be untouchable, and White isn’t getting anyone in return worth losing his scoring punch from the bench. Raise your hand if this next sentence seems too familiar.
The Bulls trade away promising young talent only to return empty-handed. My hand is raised, how about yours? How different would the history of the Bulls look if they never gave up on Elton Brand? What about Ron Artest, Brad Miller, or Ron Mercer? And let’s not forget that Tyrus Thomas was apparently better than LaMarcus Aldridge.
The big names rumored to Chicago this season are either too expensive or too underwhelming to give up on the super high ceiling of potential that we already have under contract. Even if you could convince me that the talent we would get in return is worth the gamble, the cap space that would vanish scares me. There are better options waiting in the next offseason, or two.
Dreaming of GOATS for the Chicago Bulls
LeBron James is a free agent in 2023. Is Lebron happy with the state of his team? Does he finish his chase of G.O.A.T. status in Chicago where the mantle currently resides? LeBron has shown a penchant for joining ready-made teams.
Chicago would be a perfect lifeboat to not only escape the Titanic floating in the dangerous waters of the Western Conference that is Los Angeles but also end his career on top. It may be his only way to that magical number six.
Homecoming
Speaking of a certain failing Western conference team, would Anthony Davis want to come home? Yes, he is injury-prone. Injury-prone also means cheaper to acquire, and the Lakers are likely headed toward a rebuild. Is there a more attractive destination the “The Brow”? Can you imagine the frontcourt of Williams, Vucevic, Davis? I know of 29 teams that don’t want to.
A different kind of homecoming for the Chicago Bulls and AK
Did you know that the largest community of Serbian-Americans is in Chicago? Did you also know that Arturas Karnisovas not only drafted but still has a great relationship with the reigning MVP? Yes. I’m talking about Nikola Jokic. “The Joker” is currently on a good team located in a good city. Notice I didn’t say great.
I mean no offense to the wonderful residents in Denver, but if Nikola wants to win multiple championships, become legendary, and build his brand, then Chicago is where he needs to go. The marketing opportunities alone would make up for the money he would initially lose by not signing the max deal with the Nuggets, and Denver just does not have the talent of Chicago.
Next. 3 trades to get Jakob Poeltl from the Spurs. dark
Yes, I’m thinking big. I just don’t see how patience doesn’t pay off here. The Bulls might not pull off any of these moves, but they would at least be saving cap room and really big-time talent that speaks to a long future of winning than just going for one awesome season. Then again, I have seen nothing but smart moves from this front office, and considering the never-ending disappointment GarPax offered, I’m willing to trust this team. For now.