A blockbuster trade to acquire Anthony Davis from the Dallas Mavericks should certainly be on the Chicago Bulls' table -- but the organization absolutely cannot screw it up.
That means finding a deal that won't bleed the Bulls dry of critical future assets.
Head coach Billy Donovan's team has been on a tailspin after beginning the season 5-0 (and 6-1). Since a 113-111 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Nov. 4, Chicago is 3-10 and has won those three games by a combined total of five points.
The Bulls gave up at least 120 points in 11 straight games before losing to the Indiana Pacers 103-101 on Nov. 29.
They allowed 125 points to the Orlando Magic two nights later.
Donovan needs reinforcements if he's going to guide this team to the playoffs, and it's painfully obvious that those reinforcements must come in the form of big men who can play defense -- which is exactly what Davis is. He would solve a plethora of issues that currently plague the Bulls, but overpaying to bring him to the Windy City would create a host of even worse ones.
The Chicago Bulls need Anthony Davis
Nikola Vucevic has started 19 of Chicago's first 20 games at center and, even at age 35, is averaging 16.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists with shooting splits of 50/40/79. But Vooch has never been a nimble defender or rim protector, and he's about to play his 1,000th career regular-season game in his 15th NBA campaign. He's not a short- or long-term answer up front.
Davis undoubtedly comes with significant drawbacks, but when he's on the floor, he's one of the best big men in the league. Most importantly to the Bulls, he's also one of its premier defensive anchors.
Even at 32 years old, Davis is athletic enough to keep pace in Chicago's up-tempo style. He would be a snug fit as a pick-and-roll partner with Josh Giddey and would give the Bulls a legitimate go-to option in the half-court.
Chicago can't mortgage the future to trade for Davis
On the court, AD is everything this specific team needs. He's even a native Chicagoan. Unfortunately, a laundry list of injuries continues to keep him glued to the bench.
That doesn't mean the Bulls should entirely dismiss a Davis trade; they just need to be exceedingly cautious in what they give up.
Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, Vucevic, Kevin Huerter, Zach Collins, Jevon Carter and Dalen Terry are all on expiring contracts. The Mavericks are rebuilding on the fly around rookie forward Cooper Flagg, and cap space would be beneficial. White and Dosunmu would be solid fits next to Flagg if Dallas wants to re-sign them in the summer.
Chicago also has access to all of its first-round picks over the next seven years and (probably) has an additional one coming from the Portland Trail Blazers.
Sending away a handful of picks, along with potential franchise cornerstones in White and/or Dosunmu, should be an absolute no-go for the Bulls. But there are options that could keep White, Dosunmu, Giddey and Matas Buzelis in Chicago while adding Davis for an immediate playoff push.