The Chicago Bulls are once again in NBA purgatory as the league trade deadline looms. So, the Bulls once again face tough decisions. Will the Bulls be buyers or sellers?
Bulls Looking For Center Of Future and Josh Giddey Injury Update
Chicago is on the verge of missing the playoffs for the fourth straight season. The Bulls have averaged 39.3 wins and reached the Eastern Conference Play-In tournament. They have finished in ninth place the last two years.
Chicago is currently on pace for 38 wins this year. The Bulls sit in ninth place in the East with a 19-22 record, having lost seven of their last 11. The Bulls are four games behind sixth-place Cleveland and two games ahead of Milwaukkee.
Injuries have definitely played a part in the Bulls’ troubles. Zach Collins has missed 31 games, while Coby White has sat out half the games thus far, and Josh Giddey has missed double-digit contests.
Chicago is the 11th-highest-scoring team. However, the Bulls rank in the bottom third of the league in both offense and defensive efficiency. The Bulls play at one of the fastest paces in the league, and are a slightly above-average shooting team. The Bulls share the ball well, but they don’t get to the free-throw line and are not an offensive rebounding team.
Defense has been the Bulls’ biggest issue. The Bulls rank in the bottom half of the league across the board.
What Should The Bulls Do At The Trade Deadline?
The Bulls struggle to keep opponents out of the paint because they don’t do a good job with their point-of-attack defense, and opposing ball-handlers get by their main defenders too easily. They also struggle with defensive rotations and lack a true rim-protector.
Chicago may decide to tear everything down at the trade deadline, as they have six players on expiring deals. Nikola Vucevic won’t be back next season. There is also no guarantee Collins will return, though if he does, it will be at a significantly lower salary than the $17 million he is making this year.
Chicago projects to have close to $80 million in cap space this summer reportedly wants to keep Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu. Although the Bulls are expected to sign one of the two, the preference is reportedly for White to remain in the Windy City. Kevin Huerter and Jevon Carter are also trade candidates, as they are among the players who will be free agents this offseason. In addition, Patrick Williams, who doesn’t have much trade value at this point due to his struggles the past two seasons, could be on the move, though likely only as part of a bigger deal.
Chicago owns all of its own first-round selections. The Bulls could also receive Portland’s first-rounder this year, though that pick is top-14 protected. However, they don’t have a second round selection until 2028.
Ranking The Bulls Trade Assets
1. Nikola Vucevic
If the Bulls trade for Vucevic, they will likely get either a first-round pick or multiple second-rounders, along with matching salaries. Vucevic is making $21.4 million this year.
2.Ayo Dosunmu
The Bulls should be able to get a first-round pick for Dosunmu.
3. Zach Collins
Collins projects the Bulls to net a second-round pick, along with matching salaries.
4. Jevon Carter
Bulls Reportedly Interested In Yves Missi
According to Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com, Chicago has interest in New Orleans center Yves Missi. Afseth said that they have been seeking additional help at the center for some time and would like to add a youngster.
Missi has seen his role reduced this year as Derik Queen has emerged as the Pelicans’ unquestionable starter. Missi is an athletic big man who is an outstanding rebounder and rim protector, two areas the Bulls need to improve. The 21-year-old, who was selected with the No. 21 pick in 2024, averages 5.5 points along with 5.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks. He has two double-doubles, scored in double-figures four times, and three games of 10 or more boards.
Chicago is not the only team showing an interest in Missi. However, Missi shouldn’t cost much, aside from a first-round pick. The Bulls could send either Portland’s first-round pick this year or their selection next year (top-10) protected and perhaps Julian Phillips or Dalen Terry.
So, what is the Bulls looking for in a center?
The Bulls are reportedly looking for a defensive-oriented youngster, 20 to 25 years old, who is mobile and a shot blocker. Isaiah Jackson and Day’Ron Sharpe also fit the bill.
Bulls Injury Report
Chicago listed six players on its injury report for tonight’s home game against Brooklyn, and none will play. Of course, rookie Noa Essengue is out for the season while Emmanuel Miller and Yuki Kawamura are on G-League assignments with Windy City.
Giddey, who was listed as doubtful earlier in the day, will miss his 10th straight contest with a hamstring injury. However, Giddey, who practiced with Windy City today, is expected to play either Tuesday against the Los Angeles Clippers or Thursday at Minnesota, per K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Sports Network.
Williams and Collins are also out for tomorrow. Williams suffered a sprained ankle on Friday. Meanwhile, Collins will also miss his 10th consecutive contest with a toe injury. Collins isn’t slated to return until after the All-Star break.
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