2. The NBA’s best backup point guard gets a promotion
If the Bulls are looking to acquire a true playmaking point guard that is good enough to be worth trading for but not too good to be deemed untouchable, Memphis’ Tyus Jones feels like he’s in the perfect sweet spot for what the Bulls are aiming to accomplish.
Unfortunately, if the Grizzlies stick to their guns at the trade deadline, the Bulls’ odds of acquiring Tyus would drastically diminish. That means the Bulls will have to sweeten the pot and incentivize the Grizzlies to make a drastic move by getting another team involved that could fulfill their needs.
This move would be almost entirely predicated on Memphis deciding to commit to competing for a championship this season and acquiring an impact small forward such as OG Anunoby, or even possibly Kevin Durant.
Tyus Jones is simply too good not to be a starter and would thrive on the Chicago Bulls.
Despite coming off the bench and averaging less than 24 minutes per game behind Ja Morant, Tyus averages 10.4 points and 4.7 assists per game while shooting 38.2% from deep. His playmaking has been absolutely vital for Memphis at times, and he has the ability to create separation from defenders and initiate his own offense on drives with his exceptional floater game — a skill Chicago’s current cast of point guards severely lacks.
As rotations tighten up in the playoffs, one of Morant or Desmond Bane would always be on the court at all times. One of Danny Green or John Konchar would bump up whenever one rests, and in case of emergencies, Kennedy Chandler has been surprisingly effective for a rookie and would suffice as a third ball handler. The point here, as good as Tyus has been, he’s not absolutely essential to the Grizzlies’ success.
If the front office manages to pry away a player of Jones’ caliber, I must say I’d be extremely impressed. He’s on a very team-friendly contract and with his deal set to expire at the end of 2024 it would be the perfect safety net to keep the Bulls afloat until Lonzo gets back up and operating at 100%.