It’s not often a trade of this magnitude happens, but when it does, it’s sure to send the NBA world reeling. Following the news of Damian Lillard being sent packing to Milwaukee, bookies and general managers alike have scrambled to dip their hands into the pot to potentially come away with something beneficial. The Chicago Bulls should be no exception here, as I see a number of interesting avenues for the team to explore moving forward.
I’ll be honest, I can’t pass this trade off as good news. The Bucks look like an absolute juggernaut now out East, and it’ll be difficult for even the best of teams to topple them in a seven-game playoff series. That being said, I do believe there are a few silver linings the Bulls can extract here if they’re willing to get a little bolder than we’ve seen in recent years.
Despite having a deep frontcourt, Chicago still lacks a clearcut star at the point guard position. Fortunately, there may still be a way for the Bulls to cobble something together and complete on of the most surprisingly well-built starting lineups in the NBA.
Even with Damian Lillard off the board, there are still several ways for the Bulls to land a star guard to run the point.
3. Bulls can get involved in the Jrue Holiday sweepstakes
As a byproduct of the Lillard trade, Jrue Holiday still finds himself in a state of purgatory here less than a month from the tip-off of the 2023-24 regular season. As Portland ushers in a rebuilding era centered around their promising young guards, they have no need for Holiday and will assuredly look to flip him for even more assets in the future.
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports that Chicago is one of several teams expected to explore avenues for a potential Holiday trade. It’s difficult to say just how credible this report, but given the fact that each of these teams has a clear need for what Holiday has to offer, I’m liable to take his word for it.
Am told Heat, LA teams, Boston,Chi., Philly are teams of interest to Holiday. (Perhaps others, but those 6 in no order were mentioned to me). Beyond Portland distaste for Heat assets, Miami must reconcile this: Acquiring&giving big new deal next summer makes them tax team for yrs
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) September 28, 2023
On paper, this makes a lot of sense for the Bulls. Jrue is one of the league’s premiere two-way threats and is perhaps better equipped to replace the void left by Lonzo Ball than any other point guard who would realistically become available. Expect the pursuit in Holiday to be a fierce battle if Chicago does indeed join the race, as several contending teams will be certain to register their interest in the star guard.