1. The Bulls retool to contend now
This first trade package is one that is a bit complicated because it would largely rely on the Atlanta Hawks being open to adding DeMar DeRozan next to Dejounte Murray. Hypothetically, let’s say they would be somewhat open to it if it also came with three future first-round picks. If so, the Bulls would be able to land Trae Young by essentially swapping DeRozan. It should be noted, if the Bulls could try to send Ball elsewhere, that would also be extremely valuable.
Perhaps they would have to expand this deal to a three-team deal in an attempt to send Ball to a third team while stapling another asset to him. I find it hard to believe any team is going to willingly trade for Ball knowing that he has a player option for the 2024-25 season worth $21 million.
Nevertheless, swapping DeRozan or Young would be a great move for the Bulls in theory. They’d probably need to find some frontcourt depth (which is something the team needs to find either way this offseason), but I feel like a Young-Zach LaVine duo fits better than DeRozan-LaVine. If both the Bulls and Hawks wanted to retool their roster, perhaps this is a deal that would be considered by both sides.