In a recent article, Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley undertook the task of constructing one ideal trade for each NBA team following the conclusion of free agency. For a team with a lot of unsolved questions surrounding the roster like the Chicago Bulls, this serves as another opportunity to look at things from a new angle.
Although this list was intended to offer just one trade for each team, the Chicago Bulls appeared three times — once in their own trade suggestion and an additional two times as a potential trade partner with the Orlando Magic and San Antonio Spurs.
What makes these hypothetical trade proposals interesting is the fact they all share one commonality: Coby White.
While the Chicago Bulls certainly don’t have to make any trades, Bleacher Report seems adamant that moving on from Coby White would be a good decision.
Proposed Trade #1
Making a trade like this essentially kicks the can down the road by exchanging a former lottery pick for a struggling prospect in Josh Green and two second-round picks. I can’t say I hate it, because Chicago’s front office has proven they can make the most of draft capital even in the second round. However, just holding on to Coby and letting his contract expire may be the more desirable route here if the Bulls intend to remain competitive this season.
Proposed Trade #2
Terrence Ross is one of the more likable personalities in today’s NBA, and I have to say I’d really enjoy seeing him in the Chicago Bulls’ locker room and interacting with the young core. That being said, it does seem like the 31-year-old Ross is past his prime and showing clear signs of decline. His scoring production slowed to just 10 points per game last season, on dreadful 39.7% shooting from the field and 29.2% from beyond the arc. Again, I’d rather just keep Coby in this situation.
Proposed Trade #3
Of all the players involved in these proposals, Josh Richardson is easily my favorite. He shot 41.5% from deep last season and has strong defensive fundamentals that allow him to play both guard and forward positions. I do believe the idea of Richardson is more attractive than the actual Richardson, however, and the fact he’s been on five teams in the last four years and downgraded to a bench role seems to support my theory.
Ultimately, I think my main concern regarding these proposals is that Coby White is the best player involved in each potential trade. Just because his fit is awkward, doesn’t mean we should trade Coby away for pennies on the dollar. That much is especially true when the Bulls have proved their willingness to implement three-guard lineups in the past.
Acquiring a player like Richardson (or Ross, if last season was just an anomaly) may indeed make the Bulls better in the short term, but I imagine each of these offers would still be on the table near February’s trade deadline. It makes little sense to give up on Coby for a player with no upside.
Chicago would be better off keeping White and hoping he’s further developed his game his offseason and performs better next season. Even if the Bulls do end up trading him, at least he’ll have improved his trade value past these meager offers.#