In the last couple of weeks, it became apparently clear that Bulls rumors could lead to the front office making the move to make smaller changes/additions to the rotation at the deadline. That includes potential trade targets at the deadline such as San Antonio Spurs center Jakob Poeltl and Boston Celtics point guard Dennis Schroder.
Poeltl is definitely the more intriguing of those two potential trade targets for the Bulls given the amount of value he could bring to the table in a spot of need in the rotation. It’s clear that second-year head coach Billy Donovan and the Bulls need help at the five.
The Bulls are often getting outrebounded and just outmatched physically in the frontcourt when they face lengthier and more athletic teams such as the Toronto Raptors and Phoenix Suns. That is why it makes a lot of sense for the Bulls to try and get a big man like Poeltl from the Spurs at the trade deadline.
Bulls rumors still connecting Chicago to Spurs’ big man Jakob Poeltl
And according to a report from Marc Stein this week (paid content), the Bulls did make an offer to the Spurs for Poeltl but it was rejected. Stein mentions that Poeltl is one of the more sought-after commodities as the trade deadline approaches. It sounds like the Spurs could have multiple suitors for Poeltl, so they can be pretty selective with any potential deal they get involved in.
Moreover, while it would be nice for the Bulls to get a big man like Poeltl at the deadline, it’s not worth giving up too much. There is a certain point where the Bulls give up too much for Poeltl, and the front office definitely shouldn’t cross that threshold.
All in all, just because the Bulls had one offer rejected for Poeltl ahead of the deadline later this week it doesn’t mean that they still can’t get something done here. Maybe the market thins out for Poeltl or there’s another team that the Spurs and Bulls can get involved in these trade discussions.
Poeltl and Schroder are definitely two names to watch for the Bulls as the trade deadline approaches on Feb. 10. A few other names to note are Detroit Pistons star forward Jerami Grant, Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes, and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kenrich Williams, among many others.