The Chicago Bulls must change course this summer. They missed the playoffs for the second straight year and sixth time in seven tries. Their core went 125-121 over the last three seasons, despite their talent. Even when they made the playoffs, Chicago won just one game against the Bucks in the opening round. Arturas Karnisovas vowed to finally make changes, but the Bulls cannot just add in free agency.
Chicago has not made a trade since draft night 2023 and has not dealt a player since 2021. It is approaching three years since their last player swap for a franchise with two losing seasons and one playoff game won since.
Karnisovas and the front office cannot just run it back. They must make moves this offseason. Adding in the draft and free agency won’t be enough. Chicago has to shake things up via trade, and here are the most likely players on their current roster to be moved.
7. Lonzo Ball
Ball has not played in an NBA game since Jan. 14, 2022. He missed two-plus seasons with knee issues and even had a meniscus replacement. The 26-year-old believes he can return, but there are no guarantees after such significant injuries.
Ball already picked up his $21.3 million player option but is now on an expiring contract. The Bulls may try to get creative in dumping his salary. Chicago does not want to give up draft capital to move on, but they may find a deal with a rebuilding team willing to eat the final year of his contract.
Lonzo Ball’s health and missed time make a trade extremely unlikely. Things could change, but the Bulls would be dumping the 6’6 point guard’s salary if he gets moved this summer. Consider that unlikely, but not impossible. There are far more likely players to get dealt before the start of the 2024-25 season.