There's no shortage of trade candidates on the Chicago Bulls. However, nearly a month after reportedly being open to trading a majority of the roster, the Bulls have yet to facilitate a deal. Failing to make at least one trade shouldn't be read too much into. There's still over a month until the trade deadline.
Nevertheless, it's become commonplace that Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic are the most talked about Chicago trade candidates. Furthermore, Lonzo Ball, Patrick Williams, Torrey Craig, and even Dalen Terry and Julian Phillips have been mentioned as trade targets.
Aside from the usual suspects, another Bulls has seemingly entered the discussion. Although it hasn't been officially reported, Jevon Carter's most recent performance indicates what contending teams look for from a veteran on the trade market. Following a nondescript start to the season, Carter scored a season-high 26 points while draining seven three-pointers in the Thursday night loss to the Atlanta Hawks.
Jevon Carter's season had been lost until Thursday night
Prior to Thursday night's affair, Carter had only hit the hardwood for 61 minutes. The 29-year-old had only scored 22 points and converted on four triples. Chicago's contest against Atlanta proved to be a turning point for the seven-year veteran. Carter has likely earned minutes from Billy Donovan going forward while also cementing himself as a reasonable trade deadline acquisition.
It wasn't long ago that the 3-and-D guard was a highly sought-after free agent. Carter enjoyed a mini-breakout in 2022-23, suiting up for the Milwaukee Bucks. The former West Virginia standout averaged 8.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists while converting 42.1 percent of his 4.2 three-point attempts per game.
Carter's impressive campaign for the Bucks earned him a three-year, $19 million pact with the Bulls in the 2023 offseason. Unfortunately for Chicago, the free agent signing amounted to an overpay as the veteran's shooting splits dipped to a 37.8 percent field goal rate and a 32.9 percent success rate from three-point range. Carter averaged a mere 5.0 points per game in his first season in Chicago.
Looking back on the acquisition, Carter was never a sound free agent signing due to the Bulls' backcourt depth. Chicago already rostered Coby White, Zach LaVine, Ayo Dosunmu, and Alex Caruso. In addition to the strong quartet of guards, Chicago employed recent first-rounder Dalen Terry.
There wasn't much of a chance for the 6-foot-1 guard to make an impression for the Bulls. He was relegated to third guard at both the point and shooting guard spots. Following consistent playing time to begin the season, Carter saw several DNPs to end his 2023-24 campaign.
To start 2024-25, Carter was even further buried on Donovan's depth chart. Although the Bulls traded Caruso in the offseason, Chicago brought back 22-year-old lead guard Josh Giddey in the swap. Furthermore, Ball triumphantly returned from a myriad of knee issues that sidelined him for years. The Bulls' backcourt is crowded, not to mention its best unit, thus relegating Carter to the end of the bench.
Carter is a quality trade candidate for a team in need of perimeter help
However, Carter was finally provided a chance to show he remains a quality contributor. Carter shined, with Giddey, Dosunmu, and Ball all absent in the Bulls affair in Atlanta. Besides his season-high in scoring, Carter added four rebounds, five assists, and a steal. He was one of three Bulls to net a positive plus/minus in the 141-133 loss.
Sure, one game cannot be used as praise for Carter as a valuable trade piece. He's owed over $13 million throughout this season and next. Plus, the seven-year pro has hardly suited up this season—further muddying his hypothetical trade value. Nonetheless, the ability to perform at a high level when called upon is an endearing trait, especially for the league's contenders.
Look for teams in need of backcourt help and shooting to take a flier on Carter. The 29-year-old is not much of a playmaker, but he's a valuable asset as a 3-and-D guard who can defend bigger than his 6-foot-1 size would suggest. He fits best on a roster that utilizes wings as ball-handlers who work best as primary playmakers.