The Chicago Bulls might be actually doing it.
Finally.
If their early activity from the 2024 NBA offseason is any indication, this front office could be kicking off a youth movement that people have waited years to see. Alex Caruso was shipped out for Josh Giddey. DeMar DeRozan was sign-and-traded away. Andre Drummond exited in free agency. Meanwhile, the Bulls paid up to bring in Jalen Smith and retain Patrick Williams.
These are interesting maneuvers, if only for the fact they signal some kind of change for a team that had seemingly peaked at mediocrity. And if there are more moves to come—as there should be—the following three ideas are all worth considering.
Flipping for Torrey Craig for Draft Assets
Torrey Craig has things to offer a win-now team—namely, defensive versatility, experience and a three-point shot that’s been better than 39 percent accurate over the past two seasons.
With the Bulls seemingly shifting out of win-now mode, his value to the franchise as an on-court contributor is greatly diminished. And as a 33-year-old approaching a contract year, he might be among the Association’s most logical trade candidates.
Teams won’t pay a premium to get him, but a couple of second-round picks doesn’t feel like an outlandish ask. He has plug-and-play ability, not to mention 75 games of playoff experience under his belt.
Any number of contenders (and hopeful contenders) could have interest, and if the Bulls could spark some level of bidding war, that would only help with their return.
Turn Nikola Vučević into Rebuilding Tools
Nikola Vučević was initially brought in to help the Bulls—Zach LaVine, specifically—chase some level of postseason success.
That trade happened at the 2020-21 trade deadline. Chicago has managed just one playoff trip and zero series wins since.
The Bulls waited to long to get this process going, which really limits what they can expect to find in return for their veterans. They should still shop them anyway. There is value in getting their money off the books and freeing up more developmental minutes for their young players.
Plus, the return won’t be nothing. Vučević has his limitations as a defender. He’s also arguably overpaid. Still, he’s a walking double-double who can score or pass out of the post and shoot from the perimeter. Teams seeking an offensive jolt for their frontcourt should have an interest, and it’s possible a Vučević trade could net Chicago at least a protected first-round pick.
Find a Taker for Zach LaVine
Before the Bulls even committed to this apparent youth movement, they’ve been looking for ways to unload Zach LaVine.
This partnership has clearly run its course. He never nudged them anywhere close to contention, and they have other, younger guards who need their attention (and more floor time).
The market for LaVine isn’t great. Obviously. His injury issues are ongoing. His contract ranks among the league’s worst. His resume is almost totally devoid of team success.
All of that said, he’s a 20.5-points-per-game career scorer with a fiery outside shot (career 38.2 percent), athleticism to finish at the rim and the ability to generate shots for himself and his teammates. Someone should want what he has to offer, and if Chicago can find a LaVine trade that doesn’t require it to attach a sweetener, it should do this deal, close the book on this chapter and start working toward the brighter future that should have had its focus a long time ago.
