The Chicago Bulls are entering a new era. A Caleb Wilson-led era. A Bryson Graham-led era. And with that, they need to seriously change the strategies that led them into an eternal put of mediocrity for the last five-plus years. And with the current group of talent on the roster, they should try to copy the Oklahoma City Thunder and Sam Presti’s pick-hoarding strategy.
Draft picks are valuable. In today’s NBA, loading up on picks is the best way for a team to build a successful future. If the Bulls can add a ton of draft picks to their arsenal, they will have a ton of chances to take swings at young talent to pair with Wilson and Matas Buzelis moving forward. And on top of that, they’ll have even more picks to trade once they do build a foundation.
Somehow, someway, the Bulls need to make enough trades to add enough draft capital to lead them into the future.
Bulls need to start building draft cabinet like the Thunder
Throughout the years, Presti helped the Thunder build one of the biggest draft cabinets in NBA history. They have more picks than any other team in the league, and they have for years.
Obviously, the Paul George trade was the key to it all. Not only did they land a ton of draft capital in the deal, but they also added Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has become a two-time NBA MVP.
But it wasn’t just that. The Thunder have made a ton of small deals since then. Any chance they have gotten to add a draft pick – first- or second-round – they took it.
That’s the approach the Bulls need to take. They may not have a blockbuster as big as the George-SGA deal in the cards for them, but they can try to trade for as many picks as possible.
All of that can begin this season. The Bulls have plenty of players who could be thrown onto the trade market by the deadline this season, and that’s where they can begin their Thunder-esque plan.
Norman Powell is effectively on an expiring contract. He can be traded by the deadline if his value gets high enough, as he probably isn’t a part of the Bulls’ long-term plans.
Same with Nicolas Claxton, if the Bulls revive his value. Tre Jones could be a trade candidate. Jalen Smith, too. Chicago has plenty of guys who could be traded this year.
And if the Bulls play their cards right, they could begin building their Thunder-like draft cabinet ASAP.
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