The Chicago Bulls have a very interesting season ahead of them. They’re going to have some tough decisions to make about the future of the organization. All the while, they should be focusing on the development of Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis. But amidst all that, they should be looking to trade Isaac Okoro at some point this year.
Okoro is heading into a contract year. He’ll be making $11.8 million this upcoming season, but last year, he didn’t amount to much in Chicago. Rather than giving Okoro a ton of minutes next year, the Bulls should try to trade him, swapping out his expiring contract for a player who could provide them better long-term value.
The Bulls shouldn’t go as far as to trade draft picks to get off his contract, but if there’s a team out there that may want to get off more long-term money and take back an expiring deal, Okoro could be utilized.
Bulls need to use Isaac Okoro's expiring contract smartly
At his best, Okoro is a perimeter stopper. Someone who can help shut things down on the defensive end. But on the offensive end, he’s been a net-zero. And that’s on the optimistic side of things.
Realistically, Okoro’s complete lack of three-point shooting puts his team in a bad spot on offense. Opposing defenses aren’t willing to guard him at the three-point line, which makes life hard because teams can double.
So, the most value Okoro will likely provide to the Bulls will be his expiring contract. It will give them a playing card to use on the trade market. A bargaining chip that teams may want if they’re hoping to organize their books next summer.
Chicago’s books are already in a great place. The Bulls don’t owe a ton of money to a ton of players. Even their top guys don’t even make $30 million. In fact, only three guys make over $20 million.
So, if Okoro can net them a player they can take a chance on, why not take the risk? Why not throw Okoro in a trade and see if they can extract any long-term value out of the deal?
Could the Bulls nab anyone from the Orlando Magic, who will likely be trying to get under the second apron if things don’t go well? What about the New York Knicks or Cleveland Cavaliers?
There are plenty of teams around the league who could be looking to shed long-term salary, and Okoro’s expiring salary is one of the Bulls’ best chances at having a valuable piece on the trade market.
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