2. Trae Young
The Bulls need for a point guard and offensive initiator started with Lonzo Ball’s knee injury. He has already been ruled out for the season. It will be his second year missed, and the 25-year-old has never played more than 63 games in a season. Chicago cannot count on him to return at any point, and the front office must find a point guard to replace him.
Young popped up in trade rumors this summer and could be available if the Hawks struggle this season. Atlanta has been bounced in the first round of the playoffs back-to-back years after reaching the conference finals in 2021. The Hawks are determined to make another deep postseason run, but can they do it with Trae Young leading their charge?
The two-time All-Star is an elite scorer and one of the best playmakers in the world. He averaged 26.2 points, 10.2 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 34.8 minutes per game last season, and it was a bit of a down year for Ice Trae that included a midseason coaching change.
Young could jumpstart the Bulls offense, but can Chicago cover his defensive deficiencies? It wouldn’t be easy, and there are zero guarantees that he becomes available. The Hawks want to win now. The Chicago Bulls may be forced to zig when others are zagging if they want to get back into contention.