The Chicago Bulls are in an ugly spot. They are a painfully middle-of-the-pack team, yet Arturas Karnisovas seems content with running the team back and pushing for a playoff spot that may be out of reach. And to make matters worse, they don’t own a pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, leaving them with no immediate pathway to add young talent.
That being said, they could still make a draft-day trade and shake things up. Trading their stars in an attempt to get into the 2023 NBA Draft could be in the team’s best interest, and some teams around the league may be willing to strike a deal.
With that in mind, here are three trades the Bulls could make on draft day to set them on the right course.
3 NBA Draft day trades to set the Chicago Bulls on the right course: Atlanta Hawks
Bulls receive: John Collins, Pick #15 in 2023 NBA Draft, Bruno Fernando
Hawks receive: DeMar DeRozan
With DeMar DeRozan heading into the final year of his deal, trading him could be a must. In this deal, the Bulls would land the first pick outside the lottery, and John Collins, who, despite being on an expensive deal, could thrive in a new home.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks would be able to give their current core one last run together before freeing up cap space next offseason, when they will likely have to make some tough decisions.
3 NBA Draft day trades to set the Chicago Bulls on the right course: Miami Heat
Bulls receive: Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, Pick #18
Heat receive: Zach LaVine
This would be a solid way for the Bulls to remain competitive while also getting younger and cheaper. Tyler Herro is a solid young player who could fill the Zach LaVine role, and they’d also add a first-rounder and Duncan Robinson’s shooting.
Meanwhile, the Miami Heat would upgrade their starting lineup, getting a solid primary scorer to pair alongside playoff superstar Jimmy Butler and DPOY-candidate Bam Adebayo.
3 NBA Draft day trades to set the Chicago Bulls on the right course: Dallas Mavericks
Bulls receive: Pick #10, Tim Hardaway Jr., Davis Bertans
Mavericks receive: DeMar DeRozan, Andre Drummond
This deal would likely be a part of a bigger-picture rebuild, but it would be a huge win for the Bulls. Landing a top-10 pick in this year’s draft would be a steal, as they would be able to kickstart a rebuild with a top-tier talent.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks would attempt to capitalize on their new duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving by adding DeRozan as a third star. Andre Drummond would also give them a solid center option.
