The Bulls figure to cast a wide net as they seek out point guard help this summer, as it’s the position most in need of an upgrade on their roster. In fact, Chicago has already had at least one interesting discussion involving a point guard this year.
An NBA executive tells Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times that the Bulls and Lakers had “initial conversations” about Lonzo Ball after Ball’s camp leaked that Chicago would be on the point guard’s list of preferred destinations if he were traded.
It’s not clear whether those in-season discussions went anywhere or if either team plans on revisiting them this summer, but it’s a signal that the Bulls figure to explore plenty of options as they consider how to fortify their point guard position.
Here’s more out of Chicago:
- According to one scout, the Bulls have “taken interest” in the Pistons’ roster, writes Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times, adding that the club likes Wayne Ellington‘s shooting and Ish Smith‘s ability to run a team. Both veterans will be free agents this offseason.
- While he recognizes that the Bulls aren’t likely to be major players for top free agents this year, executive VP of basketball operations John Paxson believes Chicago is on the right track to eventually become an attractive destination again, as Mark Strotman of NBC Sports Chicago relays. “I do think that when you establish yourself, which we’re trying to do right now as a relevant team again, and as we get better positioning ourselves to have money when guys come up in the future, I think this will be a destination place,” Paxson said last week. “But we have to get better. That’s the thing. We have to get to a point where we are playing for important things. But our young guys have to develop into the type of players that other guys want to play with. And I think we have a couple guys right now on the roster and hopefully we’ll have more in the future.”
- Mark Schanowski of NBC Sports Chicago takes a closer look at the Bulls’ roster by position, identifying which players are likely – or unlikely – to return, and reiterating that point guard tops the club’s list of offseason needs.
Not sure if the money works, but a Ball for Wendell Carter Jr. deal would fill a need for the Lakers
I don’t think the Bulls would give up Carter for Ball. Ball is not exactly a hot commodity anymore.
Exactly. Injury prone. Though Ball would still draw plenty of interest. Just think he would have drawn a whole lot more before the injury again this year.
Injuries or not, no.
Yes, that would fill a need for the Lakers. So would Ball for Durant and Curry.
Slap yourself for even considering that.
I don’t see the Bulls doing that.
Lol Clark Jr for Ball, I hope the was a joke. Ball is trash, Lebron played with him and realized it real quick. The Bulls finally have a foundation and I hope they don’t ruin it by bringing this clown and his side show father to the Chi
That’s a little ignorant…Ball isn’t trash but i agree bulls shouldn’t give up Carter Jr. — not sure who Clark Jr. Is
Clark Jr is on the Rockets. That would be cool though if Chicago could trade a player who doesn’t play for them. Morey would want a little compensation I’m sure.
there isn’t one gm in any league that cares about where their dysfunctional rookie would prefer to play – why this site keeps regurgitating that spin is beyond idiotic
You are tripping on that prediction
Dunn > Ball. Morant > Dunn. So why trade for Ball?
If the Bulls wanted to actually contend… like instantly go the conference finals contend…
Trade their 2019 1st (1, 2, or 3), Otto Porter Jr, Wendell Carter Jr, & Felicio for Anthony Davis and ET Moore.
Then cut Valentine and TLC. That should give them around 34M left in cap space to sign Kawhi Leonard.
AD, Markkanen, Kawhi, Lavine, Dunn/Moore. Boom my head just exploded.
This isn’t 2K…
No 2k is you trad Valentine and Archie for AD
Their pick will be Zion, RJ or Ja
I got the Bulls dropping to 5 in my mock draft and taking Coby White or Garland if he’s still there. CLE gets Zion, Memphis gets Ja at 2, PHX at 3 trades Barrett to NYK for 4th pick Garland and DSJ. That’s how it plays out. If not Memphis then NOP. Usually 7 or 8 moves up if you look at last couple drafts. I think it was SAC last 2 years but PHI had their pick 2 years ago when it went from 8 to 3. Last year they went from 7 to 2.
So you have the Bulls 5th I hot bull fans who ho 1,2,3, & 4 I don’t know anybody who got them past 4 so how did you determine that?
I know it’s a lottery and anything can happen even with the odds. Even though the Bulls have the 4th highest % of not going lower.
Again I say it’s a lottery and anything can happen
I think the Bulls have “taken interest” in taking players from the rival a step up in the standings.
Ball would be great for the Bulls, exceptional defender, pass first PG, which is the good kind, counting how many shots ZLV takes & with Markkanen & WCJ in the team, that’s for sure Ball would be the ideal PG for the Bulls, though not for WCJ. I mean centers are harder to come by PG’s, good guards are a dozen a dime in the league, good centers not so much.
Ball getting traded to the Lakers is a win-win. Lakers get rid of a player that can’t meet outsized expectations, and Bulls get a player that helps fill seats and sell TV advertising.
Key point to remember about the Bulls: Basketball isn’t their primary concern. PROFIT is their primary concern. They’ll give up anyone on the roster for Ball if they think it will make them more money.
You need to check stuff before you post. The Bulls have been near or at the top for attendance and are top 5 in profit. They don’t need a circus act get butts in the seats, they need to get back to being a playoff team. They need the best young PG they could find, not a move motivated by fan fare.
Zion is amazing, but unlike most of the top lottery teams fans, I’m actually hoping the Bulls get the 2nd pick. Draft Ja, then you have a very interesting, young line up moving forward. Ja>Ball, Rozier, Ish, imo.
I don’t want Ball anywhere near the Bulls roster.