The Chicago Bulls committed to contending this summer. They re-signed Nikola Vucevic, added role players in free agency, and resisted inquiries to trade their best players. The front office maintained a massive asking price for Zach LaVine, and the Bulls still believe they can compete with any team.
Chicago missed the playoffs for the fifth time in six years and won’t have Lonzo Ball this season. Fans have plenty of reasons to question the team’s strategy and more work must be done if the Bulls plan on qualifying for the playoffs and making a run.
Could they pull off a surprise trade before the deadline to increase their postseason hopes? They have two first-round draft picks and multiple intriguing pieces to deal if Chicago decides to double down. Expect plenty of talent to hit the block, but winning the bidding wars could be difficult, especially with so many teams looking to make the playoffs in 2024.
Trades Chicago Bulls can make to ensure they are contenders
5. Hawks decide to move Trae Young
The Bulls desperately need a point guard to organize their offense. Lonzo Ball was the perfect fit because he could space the floor, run the show, and play stout defense, but Chicago won’t have him this season. They received a disabled player exception already, but the Bulls may try to trade Ball and get completely off his contract.
The Hawks are at a crossroads and could put Trae Young on the block if they are struggling. He could be the Bulls’ answer at point guard, but it would cost a hefty price and leave Chicago with a gigantic hole.
White is not eligible to be traded until Jan. 15 and some franchise would likely offer more for Trae Young. The Hawks would get Patrick Williams and White to improve their depth, but trading a two-time All-Star likely signals a rebuild in Atlanta.
Could the Bulls make a Young and LaVine backcourt work with DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic? It seems like a recipe for disaster on defense. Chicago would have to rely on winning shootouts, which is always dangerous in the postseason.
Trae Young would improve the Chicago Bulls’ firepower, but this is the least likely trade on this list. The Hawks want a massive price, and the Bulls cannot cover his deficiencies.