The Chicago Bulls have some big decisions to make this summer. Arturas Karnisovas has made it clear that he wants to keep the current core together, but that could backfire on Chicago. The current group in place isn’t a championship-caliber team, so the longer the Bulls keep them together, the longer they will live in a state of mediocrity.
Will Gottlieb of CHGO recently wrote a mailbag article, and one of the questions submitted surrounded the potential idea of trading for the Portland Trail Blazers’ third pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. However, Gottlieb doesn’t think Chicago would be very far up the Blazers’ list of preferred trade partners.
Portland is reportedly looking for better defensive wings to pair alongside Damian Lillard, and the Bulls simply don’t have players like that on their roster. At least, none that are worth the value of the third-overall pick.
“I like the idea here and with rumors out there, it’s always interesting to speculate,” Gottlieb wrote. “The Blazers are seeking win-now talent, specifically two-way wings, to flank Damian Lillard, and while the Bulls have win-now talent, I’m not sure they fit the mold of what the Blazers are looking for.
“Zach LaVine is probably the closest thing, but if Mikal Bridges, Jaylen Brown, OG Anunoby, or Pascal Siakam are available, I’d imagine they would all be higher on Portland’s list. Alex Caruso could sweeten the deal, but that’s a lot of money to take on if you’re the Blazers.”
The third pick in this year’s draft would be a great piece to kickstart a rebuild with, but considering Karnisovas’ stance on resetting the roster and Portland’s current desires, a deal seems highly unlikely.
