Most of the hubbub surrounding the Chicago Bulls as this year's NBA trade deadline approaches has involved players leaving. If recent reports are true, though, there's a chance they go the other way and acquire Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr.
The Bulls were linked to Porter Jr. at last year's deadline when the Denver Nuggets were interested in sending the swingman out in exchange for Zach LaVine. That move never materialized, and now LaVine is in Sacramento and Porter Jr. plies his trade in Brooklyn.
The Nets are reportedly listening to offers for the 27-year-old, according to insider Jake Fischer via The Stein Line Substack (subscription required). As Chicago held internal discussions about him a year ago, it wouldn't be wise to rule them out this time around, the Bleacher Report scribe notes.
Considering Porter Jr.'s production, contract, championship experience and Brooklyn's standing as a rebuilding franchise, it would be worth an exploratory conversation for Chicago Executive VP of Basketball Operations Arturas Karnisovas.
Bulls should discuss Michael Porter Jr. trade with Brooklyn Nets
It's understandable to hear Porter Jr.'s name pop up in rumors and think about his injury history and reputation as a shot-chucker. The Nuggets were, in fact, more than ready to move on from him last year, even as they struggled to put a strong supporting cast around Nikola Jokic.
But Porter Jr. has started 26 games for Brooklyn this season and is averaging 25.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists (all career highs) while shooting 49.6 percent from the field (18.5 attempts per game) and 41.0 percent from three on 9.2 attempts a night. He ranks third in the NBA in 3-pointers made per game behind Stephen Curry and Donovan Mitchell.
As for his contract, next year is the final year of his deal, and he's scheduled to make $40.1 million, not an exorbitant amount.
Porter Jr. would give the Bulls a much-needed chess piece
Once known as just a 3-point marksman, Porter Jr. has proven this season that he can score at all three levels and is an underrated playmaker. He would provide the Bulls with a No. 1 scoring option, but one with size they severely lack. He would be an ideal fit playing next to Josh Giddey as a floor-spacer and second-side scorer.
His 7.5 rebounds per game would rank third behind only Giddey and Nikola Vucevic. His offensive versatility would give head coach Billy Donovan several options he doesn't currently possess.
Porter Jr. may not cost a ton to acquire
Fischer mentions Milwaukee, Detroit and Golden State as three other potential suitors. When discussing a Pistons trade package, he outlines a deal that would include "a few veteran salaries, plus one first-round pick, to get the Nets' attention."
That's a bundle Chicago could easily match with seven players on expiring contracts and all of its first-round picks.
Putting Coby White in a trade would even give Brooklyn a proven young scorer as it pursues playoff contention. If the Bulls aren't in a hurry to give White a pricey extension, sending him East shouldn't be too painful.
It's worth kicking the tires on a deal that would land Chicago a new asset -- one that fits snugly into the direction the organization wants to go.