Category: Bulls

Mock trade sees Bulls land James Harden, Tyrese Maxey from Sixers

In this trade idea, the Chicago Bulls would land two star players from the Philadelphia 76ers.

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The Chicago Bulls have been active this summer as they seek to compete for the postseason next year. They re-signed Nikola Vucevic and Coby White and brought in point guard Jevon Carter.

However, while they’re looking to compete, a rebuild could be what’s best for Chicago. Or, at the very least, they should look to shake things up. The current iteration of the roster isn’t good enough to guarantee a playoff spot.

Trading their two biggest stars, Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, is crazy and completely unrealistic right now, but it could help them.

Erik Beaston of Bleacher Report raised the idea of a blockbuster move that would send LaVine and DeRozan to the Philadelphia 76ers for James Harden and Tyrese Maxey.

In an attempt to preserve the salary cap, the Sixers already opted not to extend Tyrese Maxey this summer although they reportedly remain invested in keeping him, per Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

“Would the team potentially sacrifice the future with Maxey to deal him in a package with Harden for two players like LaVine and DeRozan, who could come in and potentially help Joel Embiid get over the hump and compete for the Larry O’Brien trophy?

“It is an intriguing scenario if nothing else.

“The Bulls are in need of a rebuild, with uncertainty surrounding Lonzo Ball’s ability to play again following a serious knee injury and a roster that has been middling, at best. Injecting a little bit of new blood in it with Maxey, and veteran experience in Harden, would at least freshen things up, even if the likelihood of immediately competing in a loaded Eastern Conference is unlikely.

“LaVine has repeatedly been the subject of trade conversations in Chicago, and Harden clearly wants out of Philadelphia. The teams coming together and making a deal happen that takes both off each other’s hands while still being mutually beneficial is the best-case scenario.

“For the Sixers, specifically, who need to capitalize on having league MVP Embiid in his prime,” Beaston wrote.

It’s not going to happen, but that sort of trade idea is certainly an eyebrow-raiser.

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Bulls praised for Coby White extension: ‘Got him on a good deal’

The Chicago Bulls earned some high praise for the extension they handed Coby White.

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As the Chicago Bulls look to improve their roster heading into next season, they undoubtedly have their eyes on the playoffs. After losing in the Play-In Tournament this past year, they need to push forward, and in order to do that, they need to put together a competitive roster this summer.

At the start of free agency, they made strides toward that, coming out the gates with a bang. Within the first hour of free agency, Chicago re-signed 23-year-old point guard Coby White to a three-year, $40 million contract. White showed a ton of potential toward the end of this past season.

According to Elias Schuster of Bleacher Nation, the extension is great for the Bulls, as White is a great example of the type of player they should invest in, and they got him on a good deal.

“We’ll see. No matter the case, I’m happy to see White back in a Bulls jersey!” Schuster wrote. “He’s exactly the kind of young asset the Bulls should continue to invest in. And they got him on a good deal!”

In the long run, Schuster believes White could be best fitted as a sixth man, but for now, there’s a chance he could reclaim his starting point guard spot.

“White will now head into the 2023-24 campaign with a chance to reclaim the starting point guard spot,” Schuster wrote. “While he’s likely best suited as a Sixth Man, the Bulls are in desperate need of a lead ball-handler with Lonzo Ball remaining sidelined. Could White prove to be their answer as he continues to develop?”

White’s a solid young player, and now, he’ll be in Chicago for the immediate future.

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Former Bulls MVP Derrick Rose signs 2-year deal with Grizzlies

Former Chicago Bulls MVP Derrick Rose has signed a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies.

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Over the years, the Chicago Bulls have been home to a ton of great players. Obviously, Michael Jordan is the first player most think of when they see a Bulls logo, but one of the most popular Bulls of all time was point guard Derrick Rose, who Chicago picked first overall in 2008.

Rose, who is from Chicago, instantly became one of the biggest fan-favorites in team history, as he became the youngest NBA player to ever win MVP in 2011. However, since his years with the Bulls, Rose has gone on to play with a multitude of different franchises. And now, he’s joined another.

According to Ian Begley of SNY, Rose has agreed to a deal to join the Memphis Grizzlies.

“Free agent Derrick Rose intends to sign a multi-year agreement with the Memphis Grizzlies, per SNY sources,” Begley tweeted.

Begley’s reporting was followed up by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, who had more specifics about the deal.

“Free agent Derrick Rose has agreed on a two-year deal with the Memphis Grizzlies, source tells ESPN. Grizzlies want Rose on the floor this season and as a leader in locker room. @IanBegley first reported,” Wojnarowski tweeted.

Memphis has made multiple moves this summer in an attempt to add veterans to their roster of young stars. First, it was a trade for long-time Boston Celtics point guard Marcus Smart, and now, it’s the addition of Rose.

Rose is set to play an important role on the Grizzlies next season as they look to push for a championship.

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Bulls likely giving core ‘one more shot,’ could reconsider in February

The Chicago Bulls are likely planning to run it back, but there’s always a chance they could reconsider at February’s trade deadline.

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The Chicago Bulls are in a very weird spot. After snapping a four-year playoff drought in the 2021-22 season, they slipped backward this past year, getting bounced in the Play-In Tournament by the Miami Heat. And while Lonzo Ball’s long-term injury has played a huge part in that, the Bulls can’t afford to use that as an excuse.

However, despite their failures last season, Arturas Karnisovas had stated that the Bulls have no intention of rebuilding the roster right now. According to KC Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago, all signs point to Chicago giving their core of Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vucevic “one more shot.”

That being said, Johnson did note that the Bulls could reconsider their decision at the trade deadline in February, as it could give them a chance to pivot toward a rebuild.

“It’s certainly trending towards giving this core one more shot,” Johnson wrote. “Perhaps a pivot would be more seriously considered at next February’s trade deadline if the season hasn’t borne fruit by then.

“Those decisions are down the road for now. Free agency is just getting started. By landing Carter, the Bulls are on the board—with more work to be done.”

The Bulls have the talent to be a playoff team in the East, should they add the right talent around their core. And if that’s their goal, then maybe their current track is the correct decision.

But if their goal is a championship, they need to begin a new rebuild sooner rather than later.

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Report: Bulls ‘taking’ calls on Zach LaVine trade, not ‘making’ them

The Chicago Bulls have accepted phone calls about Zach LaVine trades, but they aren’t making them.

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Heading into the offseason, there were a ton of different directions the Chicago Bulls could take with the roster. However, after the year ended, Arturas Karnisovas stated that he had no interest in taking on a rebuild, even though that’s what could have been best for the future of the organization.

Instead, the Bulls have made moves to push forward with the ultimate goal of making it back into the playoffs. They have re-signed Nikola Vucevic and Coby White and signed Jevon Carter. And while there have been rumblings that Chicago is gauging trade interest in Zach LaVine, that may be one-sided.

According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Bulls are, in fact, taking trade calls regarding LaVine, but they are not “making” them.

“Source just told me that Bulls continue taking calls on Zach LaVine – not making them – and asking price remains astronomical. Little has changed since February trade deadline.

“Knicks have long pivoted off the guard.

“Game of chicken by AK?” Cowley tweeted.

Last season, the Bulls failed to meet their goal, as they were bounced in the Play-In Tournament by the Miami Heat, who went on to win the Eastern Conference.

And while the current core has only been together for two full seasons, it just doesn’t seem good enough to get the Bulls over the playoff hump on a consistent basis, let alone the title hump.

Resetting the roster would be painful, but it could be necessary. But for now, the Bulls remain firm on their stance in regard to LaVine.

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Jevon Carter to the Bulls was the biggest steal of NBA free agency

The Chicago Bulls picked up Jevon Carter in free agency, and the move should turn out to be an absolute steal.

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The Chicago Bulls were active on the first day of NBA free agency, getting multiple deals done. First, they inked Coby White to a new deal worth $40 million over the course of three seasons. But the point guard train didn’t stop there, as they went on to sign Jevon Carter to a three-year, $20 million contract. The 27-year-old guard is from Oak Park, Illinois.

Carter enjoyed a career season with the Milwaukee Bucks this past year, playing 81 games for the one seed and starting in 39 of those. He averaged 8.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 42.3 percent from the field and 42.1 percent from behind the arc. But now, he’ll have a chance to expand upon that success.

White showed a bunch of potential toward the end of last season, but if Chicago truly wants to push for the playoffs, Carter should be the team’s starter heading into next season. Everything is in place for him to have another career season.

With the Bulls’ current point guard situation, there will be a ton of responsibilities placed on Carter’s shoulders, and he is absolutely ready for it.

Last year, Carter was mainly a catch-and-shoot guy, but he’s been the definition of reliable wherever he’s gone. From his days at West Virginia to his time with the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns, Carter has been dependable.

Now, with the ball in his hands more often, Carter should be putting up great numbers across the boards. With his underrated defense and now-elite three-point shooting, he has all the tools to be exactly what Chicago needs next season.

The Bulls may have just signed the steal of free agency.

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Bulls are team to ‘keep in mind’ for potential James Harden trade

The Chicago Bulls could be a potential team to watch for a James Harden trade.

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The Chicago Bulls seem content running it back next season. They have re-signed Nikola Vucevic and Coby White and are also in the process of adding additional help. On the first day of free agency, they signed veteran point guard Jevon Carter to a three-year deal worth $20 million.

However, there’s always a chance the Bulls decide to make big-time changes, as there have been rumblings of Chicago gauging interest in potential Zach LaVine trades. And while it seems extremely unlikely that the Bulls will make massive changes, a recent report could raise some eyebrows in the world of NBA trade rumors.

According to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, the Bulls are a team to “keep in mind” as the Philadelphia 76ers work to find a James Harden trade.

“Chicago would be one potential trade partner to keep in mind, as the Bulls have made Zach LaVine available in conversations this offseason, sources said, and could also send an All-Star such as DeMar DeRozan back to Philadelphia. But there will be many avenues the Sixers explore before finalizing a Harden trade,” Fischer wrote.

Harden just opted into his player option with the 76ers but is seeking a trade. The LA Clippers and New York Knicks were mentioned as the two most likely trade destinations. And of those two teams, the Clippers seem to be the favorites.

However, if Chicago chooses to make significant moves, a potential Harden deal could help their point guard needs while also freeing up some long-term money, should they throw LaVine in the deal.

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Report: Bulls sign Jevon Carter to three-year, $20 million contract

The Chicago Bulls have signed Jevon Carter to a three-year, $20 million contract, according to reports.

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According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Chicago Bulls have signed point guard Jevon Carter to a three-year, $20 million contract. The 27-year-old guard is coming off a career season with the Milwaukee Bucks, in which he played 81 games and started 39 of them.

Carter played 22.3 minutes per contest for the Bucks. He averaged 8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 42.3% from the field and 42.1% from behind the arc. The veteran attempted a career-high 4.2 3-point attempts per game. Carter has been known as a hard-nosed defender since his days at West Virginia, and his 3-point stroke has seemingly come around as well.

The Bulls entered free agency with a massive need at the point guard position, but they addressed that within the first hour of free agency, bringing in Carter and re-signing Coby White to a three-year, $40 million deal.

Carter had been discussed as an option at Bulls Wire. With the way he played this past season, he could be in line to be Chicago’s starting point guard heading into the season.

White showed solid potential toward the end of this past season, but Carter’s defensive presence and consistent 3-point shot should give him the edge. He has the chance to form an elite defensive backcourt with Alex Caruso, and Chicago was one of the worst shooting teams in the league last year, so they could use that in the starting lineup.

The Bulls still have work to do this summer, though, as they plan to push for the postseason next year. Rather than hitting the reset button, the Bulls have decided to continue pushing their chips on the table.

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Report: Bulls re-sign Coby White to 3-year, $40 million contract

The Chicago Bulls have re-signed Coby White to a three-year, $40 million contract, according to reports.

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According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Chicago Bulls are re-signing point guard Coby White to a new three-year, $40 million contract. The 23-year-old point guard showed a great deal of potential toward the end of last season, stepping into a starting role and flashing the talent that lured the Bulls to pick him seventh overall in 2019.

Chicago previously extended qualifying offers to White and Ayo Dosunmu, both of whom could be crucial pieces moving forward given Lonzo Ball is not expected to return to the court next season. This leaves the Bulls very thin at the point guard position.

Shams Charania of The Athletic originally reported the deal was three years, $33 million, but Keith Smith of Spotrac pointed out that the deal likely has roughly $7 million in possible incentives, explaining the differentiating reports.

Despite the lack of success this past season, the Bulls are pushing forward with their core of Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic.

Bringing White back will give the Bulls a quality point guard capable of starting. With the new CBA, a deal at roughly $13 million is a steal for the youngster. If White can improve his playmaking and develop a consistent 3-point shot, the Bulls will have a great option.

Chicago needs to stay active in free agency if it wants to improve its playoff hopes for next year. Right now, the roster isn’t quite good enough to guarantee a postseason spot.

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Report: Nikola Vucevic’s contract with Bulls is fully guaranteed

Barring a trade, Nikola Vucevic will be on the Chicago Bulls for the next three seasons, as his new extension is fully guaranteed.

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The Chicago Bulls are hoping to run back the same team next year, according to Arturas Karnisovas. After the season ended in play-in defeat this past year, he revealed Chicago had no plans of rebuilding. Despite recent rumblings the team has been exploring Zach LaVine trades, it looks like the Bulls are pushing forward with the same group.

The biggest indication of this is the recent contract extension they handed big man Nikola Vucevic. Chicago re-signed Vucevic to a three-year, $60 million contract. With that money and length, it seems unlikely the team pivots to a rebuild.

Plus, according to long-time NBA insider Marc Stein and his newsletter, “The Stein Line,” the deal is fully guaranteed with no options attached.

“Nikola Vučević’s three-year, $60 million contract extension with the Bulls is fully guaranteed, league sources say, with a season-by-season breakdown of $18.5 million, $20 million and $21.5 million,” Stein reported.

No non-guaranteed money, no player option, no team option, just four fully-guaranteed years. Vucevic will be in Chicago for the next three seasons, barring a trade.

The veteran big man was solid for the Bulls this past year, playing in all 82 games while averaging 17.6 points and 11 rebounds per contest. He is 32 and will turn 33 at the beginning of next season.

With the new CBA being ushered in, the Bulls actually signed Vucevic at a decent price. However, if they fail to field a competitive team around him, LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, it may all be for naught.

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