NBA Trade Deadline 2023 – What Will the Chicago Bulls Do?
With the NBA Trade Deadline fast approaching, leaders of 30 franchises are busy making the necessary moves by February 9th. Of course, every team’s situation is different, and that’s why we wanted to create a specific deadline document with the franchise. Presentation issues, issues to watch, intentions in the transfer market… we tell you everything. We continue with the Chicago Bulls this Monday!
Bulls, more buyers or sellers at the deadline?
With very mixed results – 21-24, 10th in the East – the Bulls should be on the sell side this winter. Two names in particular stand out: Nikola Vucevic and Zach LaVine. The situation for Nico is currently leaning more toward maintenance in Chicago, but nothing is completely sealed. The issue with Zach LaVine is more complicated and more likely to be resolved this summer.
? Mavs, Lakers, Knicks and Heat are in pursuit of Zach LaVine’s file.
No transfer yet.
But if a crunch happens in Chicago next month, these 4 franchises will attempt a blockbuster trade for LaVine. pic.twitter.com/9QSmZzUzgQ
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) January 10, 2023
So let’s talk about Vooch: the last year of his contract this season, with an already busy salary cap, and if he stays effective at his current level, he’ll only be able to put up $8 million more next year.
Very little to pay Nicholas, that’s clear. However, there was no question of letting the big man leave Illinois with a bouquet of flowers and “good luck,” as if that was the end of a third-rate discovery experience. No, the idea is primarily to use his recent good performances to recover as much as possible in early February… even if Arturas Karnisovas plans to keep everyone at the time of writing.
? During these lines, Arturas Karnisovas would clearly be for the continuity of his group without a big transfer at the deadline.
A losing streak could be game-changing, but neither DeRozan, LaVine nor Vucevic are expected to be traded until Feb. 9. pic.twitter.com/NLeHs0Ff9j
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) January 23, 2023
Kobe White would wait for his departure, and the Windy City is also looking for small signings to strengthen the leadership. With Lonzo Ball still in the game, bringing a little more experience to the No. 1 position can only be a positive.
DeMar DeRozan? The Bulls franchise player isn’t expected to be at the airport for more than three weeks, but a rumor that the Lakers may be considering sending the 2027 and 2029 first-rounders could make Bulls president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisova reflect. The extremely important nature of this transfer could push the case to find its result this summer.
TRANSFERABLE BULL PLAYER(S).
- Nikola Vucevic : The 32-year-old center is averaging 17.5 points, 11 rebounds and 3.2 assists on 52.1 percent shooting this season, under contract through this summer for a $22 million salary in 2022-23.
- Coby White : 22-year-old young leader posting 8.7 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists on 43.5% shooting. Biftons? 7.4 million this season and the situation restricted free agentalways good to have.
PROMOTED PLAYERS OF THE BULL
No player is currently reported as a priority target for the Bulls, but a hypothetical departure of Vucevic would leave the team looking to find another talented interior to effectively replace him. We’ll have to keep a close eye on the rumors in the coming days, as teams’ interest in the pivot will increase from here on out.
Chicago could also look to recover Draft picks, which are timeless currency and could be well-applied later in a future rebuild if the group completely implodes this summer.
SOME INTERESTING LINKS
Sources: Hoopsrumors, Hoophype, Bleacher Report
