 |
| Photo by Brian Babineau/Getty Images |
Let's be honest, the Chicago Bulls 2016-17 season has not been pretty.
Following a summer when Jimmy Butler became an Olympic Gold Medalist, hometown
hero Dwyane Wade returned to the Chi, and former All-Star Rajon Rondo joined
the team, the outlook for Chicago looked promising, or at least exciting.
The new "Big Three" in Chicago had people talking. However,
since the season got rolling, things have not gone well for the Bulls.
They're currently sitting just under .500 with a 26-27, which is good enough
for the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference.
The problem is that this team does not look nor act like a team destined
for a playoff run. The team nearly self-destructed in January after
losing 7 games over an 11 game stretch. Players were calling each other
out on social media, Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade were removed from the
starting lineup for a game, and the General Manager/Vice President of
Basketball Operations tandem of Gar Forman and John Paxson, infamously known as GarPax, refused to admit that
this season has not worked and that it may be time to devise a new strategy.
I was one who actually liked the moves that General Manager Gar Forman and
Vice President of Basketball Operations John Paxson made last off-season.
It was time to move on from Derrick Rose and
Joakim Noah.
At the time, I agreed with
the decision to hire Fred Hoiberg as a replacement for Tom Thibodeau.
The signings of Wade and Rondo surprised me
but I felt that they were solid moves.
Once again, there would be excitement surrounding the Bulls.
The stadium would be filled, fans would want
to purchase Dwyane Wade or Rajon Rondo jerseys, and the Bulls could at least be
competitive enough in the East to make the playoffs and try to give Cleveland a
run for their money.
Chicago was able to
pull all this off without losing one young player.
Mirotic, McDermott, Portis, Valentine and
Felicio were not affected by the signings of Wade and Rondo.
Yet, it hasn’t been all flowers and
sunshine.
Despite the controversy
surrounding the team over the past month, Chicago managed to keep the car on the track and
has played well enough to find themselves in the playoff picture right
now.
However, the organization could be
one five game losing skid away from falling off the rails completely.
With all of this happening plus the Trade
Deadline approaching and a loaded NBA Draft in June, I feel that now is a
golden time for the front office to make some moves and begin a rebuild in
Chicago.
For those that know me and have read my previous articles, it is evident
that I love college basketball and have been following this season’s athletes
closely (be on the look-out for an NBA Mock Draft Preview soon). This
season’s class rivals that of 1984, 1996, and 2003. No, there's no
high-school prodigy like LeBron James, and we won't know if there is a guy like
Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant (remember, Jordan was drafted #3 overall, not #1,
and Kobe was drafted #13 overall, not #1). I'm not saying for certain
that another Jordan or Kobe will be found in this class, but there are a number
of intriguing players who appear to have the traits, the skill-sets and the
potential to become NBA stars. If there was ever a year to trade away
players for draft picks, this is the year. Guys that are projected to go
in the bottom-half of the first round would've been considered for the top spot
in years prior. And while I certainly know that there have been
disappointments in the previous Drafts, it wouldn't hurt for a team like the
Bulls to sink everything they have into this draft. After all, are they
going to compete for a title right now? I mean, that is the point of
playing the game, right?
To win a
championship? Why not begin the rebuild now and focus on drafting some of
these talented athletes? If there is a year to do it, this is the year.
 |
| Photo by Sam Sharpe/USA TODAY Sports |
With all that being said, I believe it starts with trading Jimmy
Butler. I know that strikes a chord with many Bulls fans, but his value
is so high right now and the return on him could be massive.
"Why trade away your best player?
You can't do that, you wouldn't win many games!" Exactly. The
whole point of a rebuild is to be awful for a couple years while picking up
young talent via the draft and/or trades. If you aren't the best and you
aren't the worst, then you’re stuck right in the smack-dab middle of the
pack. You have no legitimate shot at the title and no legitimate shot at
a top pick in the draft. This is where the Bulls find themselves right
now.
Here are ten moves that the Bulls
can pull off right now to begin the rebuild and get out mediocrity.
Note: All trades were successful via the NBA Trade
Machine on ESPN.com and the NBA Trade Checker on RealGM.com
Boston Trade #1
Boston Receives: G/F Jimmy Butler
Chicago Receives: G Marcus Smart, F/C Amir
Johnson, 2017 1st Round Pick (via Brooklyn)
Butler was linked to Boston right around this time last year in a potential deal
for the 2016 first round pick held by Boston (via Brooklyn). Now might
just be the time to get back on the phone and actually get a deal done.
Boston looks like a legitimate contender in the East that have their sights set
on making it to at least the Conference Finals. Isaiah Thomas is the most
underrated player in the game and should be included in the MVP
conversation. The Celtics could be one piece away from challenging
Cleveland, and Butler could be that piece. Plus, with the signing of Al
Horford over the summer and he being on the other side of 30 now, Boston might
want to win immediately. When considering how bad Brooklyn is this year
(9-44), Chicago would have a significant shot at getting the #1 overall pick in
the 2017 NBA Draft and having their choice at guys like Dennis Smith Jr.,
Markelle Fultz and Josh Jackson.
Boston Trade #2
Boston Receives: G/F Jimmy Butler, F Doug
McDermott
Chicago Receives: G Marcus Smart, F/C Amir
Johnson, 2017 1st Round Pick (via Brooklyn), 2018 1st Round Pick (via Brooklyn)
This Boston deal just adds on to the last one with the addition of Doug
McDermott in return for next season's first round pick held by Boston (also via
Brooklyn). Look, Brooklyn doesn't appear to getting better anytime
soon. It would make sense for most teams to keep these two picks,
assuming they could be #1 overall in both drafts, but Boston could be looking
to make a run now, and getting Butler, as emphasized in the last scenario,
could be the last piece to the puzzle for the Celtics. Plus, it would be
fun to see Brad Stevens coach Doug McDermott. Back when Stevens coached
at Butler University, his Bulldogs got quite familiar with conference foe
Creighton and their star at the time, Doug McDermott.
 |
| Photo by Getty Images |
Philadelphia Trade #1
Philadelphia Receives: G/F Jimmy Butler,
F Doug McDermott
Chicago Receives: C Jahlil Okafor, F Robert
Covington, 2017 1st Round Pick (via Los Angeles Lakers)
Once again, another deal involving Jimmy Butler. His value is at a
high right now, and while there is a chance that his star continues to rise,
there is also a chance that it could fall drastically. Sending him to
Philly now could really help the Bulls moving forward. Philadelphia
stock-piled draft picks over the past five years or so, coining the term
"Trust In The Process." Now, with a plethora of bigs, the
Sixers are in an ideal position to swap their young talent for guys in their
prime. Joel Embiid, finally back from his foot injuries that forced him
to miss two seasons, has seized control of Philadelphia's frontcourt.
This leaves Chicago native, Jahlil Okafor, with minimal action. His value
may not be high for Philly right now, but for other organizations, Okafor could
be a centerpiece. I believe the Sixers would let go of their second-year
big quickly and without much regret. In addition to the Bulls receiving
Okafor, they would get a solid 3 and D guy in Covington and Philadelphia's
first round pick this year (via Los Angeles Lakers). The Sixers have the
Lakers' first rounder as long as it's outside of the top three. If Los
Angeles were to have a top 3 pick, Chicago could trade for Philadelphia's first
rounder, most likely sliding down a few spots from where the Lakers pick would
be.
Philadelphia Trade #2
Philadelphia Receives: G/F Jimmy Butler,
F Doug McDermott, G Denzel Valentine
Chicago Receives: C Jahlil Okafor, F Robert
Covington, 2017 1st Round Pick (via Los Angeles Lakers), 2017 1st Round Pick
(Philadelphia)
This deal is the same as the first Philadelphia trade scenario, but gives
Chicago both of Philadelphia's first round picks. The Bulls would have to
root for LA to win some games and increase their chances of receiving a first
round pick outside of the top three. If Chicago were to get both picks,
they could aim for a deadly duo, possibly having the chance at drafting
Kentucky teammates Malik Monk and De'Aaron Fox. In this scenario, the
Bulls would give up rookie Denzel Valentine, providing the Sixers with a solid
guard who can back-up Butler or play alongside him. Imagine a
Philadelphia starting line-up of Ben Simmons, Denzel Valentine, Jimmy Butler,
Nerlens Noel and Joel Embiid with Dario Saric coming off the bench. That
could be legit!
Minnesota Trade #1
Minnesota Receives: F Taj Gibson, F
Nikola Mirotic
Chicago Receives: C Cole Aldrich, 2017 1st
Round Pick (Minnesota)
Here's a trade that doesn't involve Butler but still gives the Bulls a first
round pick in this year’s draft. Taj would be reunited with former Bulls
Head Coach Tom Thibodeau in Minnesota, providing solid rebounding and cleanup
work alongside budding star Karl-Anthony Towns. Thibs would also get
sharpshooter Nikola Mirotic, whom he coached back in the 2014-15 season, while
Chicago would receive Cole Aldrich and Minnesota's first round selection.
Aldrich doesn't see the court much in Minnesota, averaging just 9.7 minutes per
game. His departure wouldn't hurt Minnesota much. The T-Wolves
first round pick could end up in the lottery (projected for #8 right now),
giving the Bulls ammunition to draft a stud out of college.
 |
| Photo by David Sherman/NBAE/Getty Images |
Minnesota Trade #2
Minnesota Receives: G/F Jimmy Butler, F
Taj Gibson, F Nikola Mirotic
Chicago Receives: G/F Andrew Wiggins, G Ricky
Rubio
In Minnesota's second scenario, the stakes get higher. Now, with Jimmy
Butler involved, the Bulls would receive a bit more in return than in the first
scenario. 2014's #1 pick, Andrew Wiggins, would be traded to his third
team in three years along with veteran point guard Ricky Rubio. This
would reunite Butler with Thibodeau and allow Minnesota to move forward with
Kris Dunn as their starting point guard. Wiggins would become the face of
the Bulls' franchise, and at only 21 years of age and averaging 22.1 ppg this
season, the future certainly looks bright for this young star.
Dallas Trade
Dallas Receives: G/F Jimmy Butler, G
Denzel Valentine
Chicago Receives: C Andrew Bogut, G Devin
Harris, C A.J. Hammons, 2017 1st Round Pick (Dallas), 2017 2nd Round Pick
(Dallas)
Alright, this scenario is a little wacky and it might not make sense at
first glance but hear me out. Butler, who was voted as an All-Star
starter for the upcoming NBA All-Star Game, is obviously valued by all teams
around the league. Now you're wondering, why would Dallas trade away
their first round pick (projected at #4) for Butler? They're on the
decline, right? Yes, they've been terrible this year. But really,
they could be a star away from turning things around. With Dirk Nowitzki
getting up there in age (he'll be 39 this summer), Mark Cuban, the outspoken
owner of the Mavericks, may try to put together one last run for Dirk.
Adding Jimmy would certainly boost Dallas' chances at competing next
year. A trio featuring Dirk, Harrison Barnes and Butler is not anything
to laugh at. Once again, Chicago would be getting a high first round
pick, and to make the money work, they'd take on Andrew Bogut's, Devin Harris',
and A.J. Hammons' contracts.
New Orleans Trade
New Orleans Receives: G/F Jimmy Butler
Chicago Receives: C Omer Asik, G Buddy Hield,
2017 1st Round Pick (New Orleans)
This one is a bit "out there" but it could make some sense for
both organizations. First, let’s examine the Bulls. Chicago would
give up Butler and get New Orleans' 2017 first round pick (projected at
#9). Omer Asik would return to the organization where he started his
career and Chicago would receive rookie Buddy Hield, who has yet to really
carve out a spot for himself in the Big Easy. Why would New Orleans make
this trade? They need to surround their star Anthony Davis with talent.
Davis did say that he wants to stay in New Orleans long-term, but if he's not
winning, that decision will be difficult to stand by. Adding Butler gives
Davis that much needed star, a 1b to Davis' 1a, Robin to Batman, etc. You
get the point. Plus, New Orleans would not lose any of their
starters. A starting lineup consisting of Jrue Holiday, Jimmy Butler,
Tyreke Evans, Terrance Jones and Anthony Davis would be scary.
 |
| Photo by AP |
Cleveland Trade
Cleveland Receives: G Dwyane Wade
Chicago Receives: G Iman Shumpert, F Channing
Frye, G DeAndre Liggins, 2017 1st Round Pick (Cleveland)
Wade reuniting with LeBron would be something to witness. Chicago
could make a deal like this if one of the Jimmy Butler deals were to go
through, scrapping everything they have right now and moving in a completely
new direction. It would be an abrupt end to such a short time for Wade as
a member of the Bulls, but Chicago would free themselves of his contract and
have flexibility moving forward. The Bulls would grab some role-players
in the deal, picking up Shumpert, Frye and Liggins. Liggins has shown
some potential this season on the Cavs. He also grew up in Chicago and
attended Washington High School on the south side of the city. Wade would
complete the Cavaliers' "Big Four," giving them a starting lineup of
Kyrie Irving, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson.
You know what that means: LeBron would get his playmaker that he's been asking
for. Also, Team Banana Boat would be halfway complete. Could we see
a Love for Melo deal go through to get them three-fourths of the way
there? How about Kyrie for Chris Paul to complete it? One can
speculate.
Miami Trade
Miami Receives: G/F Jimmy Butler, F Doug
McDermott, F Bobby Portis
Chicago Receives: G Goran Dragic, F Luke
Babbitt, 2017 1st Round Pick (Miami)
Finally, the last scenario sees Butler taking his talents to South Beach and
teaming up with Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside. In addition, Miami
would get McDermott and Bobby Portis in exchange for point guard Goran Dragic
and reserve forward Luke Babbitt. Chicago would receive Miami's 2017
first round pick (projected for #7). Pat Riley and the Miami Heat haven't
been known for getting their talent through the draft, rather through trade
and/or free agency. Getting rid of Dragic would allow the Heat to move in
a new direction with young talent filling different roles. Next season, a
lineup of Josh Richardson, Jimmy Butler, Justise Winslow, Doug McDermott and
Hassan Whiteside with Tyler Johnson coming off the bench looks intimidating and
built for the future.
While I would execute any one of these trades, Gar Forman and John
Paxson are most likely not going to make a move this major. They may make
a move, but they won't make
the move that can change the Bulls'
future in an instant. Seriously, when was the last time the Bulls made a
significant deal at the Trade Deadline? Don't even say the Drew Gooden
and Larry Hughes trade, or the Brad Miller and John Salmons one. Bottom
line is this: the Bulls have a real opportunity to get better for the
future right now and there are teams who could be interested in what the Bulls
have to offer. The question revolves around if GarPax will pull it off
and make a deal.
Statistics from ESPN.com
