The Chicago Bulls have reportedly engaged in internal discussions regarding a potential trade for Dallas Mavericks big man Anthony Davis. Amid a season full of ups and downs, that started with a 5-0 record and now sees the Bulls with a 9-11 record and ranking 10th in the Eastern Conference, the front office is plotting a move to bring a spark.
A move for Davis, a Chicago native, would require the Bulls to part ways with several pieces of their young core, namely Matas Buzelis and Noa Essengue. Per James Collier of ESPN, Chicago is unlikely to entertain trade talks involving its young core.
Still, it's easy to see that they need to do something to right the ship, even on offense. They ranked 23rd in offense and 23rd in defense entering Monday night's matchup against the Orlando Magic.
Josh Giddey has elevated his game, with career highs in points (20.6), rebounds (9.9), and assists (9.1), which have all but confirmed that he can lead the team. However, going on a solo mission every year won't work for the Australian guard. Davis is a terrific option, but the Bulls could take a look at other targets if the Mavericks' asking price is too high.
Alternatives the Bulls could pursue instead of Anthony Davis
3. Domantas Sabonis
It appears Domantas Sabonis' stint with the Sacramento Kings has already peaked, and the big man could use a change of scenery to bounce back. Insider Jake Fischer reported that Nikola Vucevic's deal is trade-friendly, which could open the doors to land Sabonis.
Sabonis isn't as good a defender as Davis, but his elite rebounding, playmaking, and interior scoring abilities make him an intriguing option for the six-time NBA champions. He is 29 years old, and unlike Vucevic, can create opportunities for his teammates.
2. Julius Randle
Julius Randle is probably playing the best basketball of his career with the Minnesota Timberwolves, averaging 22.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game, while shooting 49.8 percent from the field. The forward showed up in the playoffs last year and confirmed that the demons he fought in New York are gone.
An argument could be made that you don't give up on a player as impactful as Randle, but the Timberwolves could cash in on his impressive season to continue to build for the future. Anthony Edwards is the real deal, but having Randle and Rudy Gobert on the team might not be the formula to win it all. It remains to be seen how Randle fits with the fast-paced playstyle Billy Donovan wants to establish in the Bulls, but he can be an impactful addition.
1. Jaren Jackson Jr.
Jaren Jackson Jr. is the youngest option on the list. The Memphis Grizzlies star has improved his game year after year, creating a terrific tandem with All-Star point guard Ja Morant. Morant's inconsistent start to the season, his relationship with the head coach, and the team's unimpressive 9-13 record could prompt the front office to blow it up.
Jackson could still stay and see Morant leave, but if he becomes available, the Bulls should buy in. They own their first-round picks for the next seven years, which can also help them unlock negotiations with the Grizzlies. This would be a solid addition to the Bulls and what they are trying to build with Josh Giddey leading the way.