The Chicago Bulls have no intention of rebuilding this summer. Arturas Karnisovas made that clear during his end-of-season press conference. He’s content with running back the same core, but in reality, that would simply lead to another season of mediocrity ending with an early playoff exit at best.
Instead, Chicago could use this summer as a chance to get some real value in return for their stars, hitting the reset button in the process. According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, they need to make a phone call to the Portland Trail Blazers in an attempt to trade for the third pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
If Portland wants to try to put a contending team around Damian Lillard, Chicago should be in line trying to nab the third pick in an effort to select Scoot Henderson.
“Are they finally willing to part ways with the veteran guard?” Cowley wrote. “If that’s the case, the Bulls and Portland have nothing to discuss. But if they want to keep Lillard and go into win-now mode, a phone call could be made.
“Whatever the package — whether it’s one headlined by DeMar DeRozan or by Zach LaVine — the return for the Bulls is that No. 3 overall pick, which means the likely draft rights to guard Scoot Henderson.”
No matter who the Bulls trade away, this deal would be worth it. Landing Henderson would completely reshape their future, as they would have a blue chip prospect to rebuild around.
Chicago could make more moves, add more draft picks, and restart with a young core built around Henderson. Not only would it give fans something to be intrigued about, but it would give the Bulls a brighter future.
[lawrence-auto-related count=3]