The Bulls have been subjected to frequent COVID-19 testing since they played the Sixers last week, according to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago. Nikola Vucevic is out at least 10 days after a positive test. The Sixers had several players test positive in recent weeks. “I feel like everybody has been pretty safe with us. We’ve been wearing our masks a lot,” Zach LaVine said. “Obviously, we have got a lot of tests done the last couple days and it seems like everybody has been safe. Fingers crossed.”
We have more from the Central Division:
- The Pistons reportedly have some interest in Kings big man Marvin Bagley III, the former No. 2 overall pick who has been benched most of the season. Their interest could heighten with Kelly Olynyk sidelined at least six weeks. The Athletic’s beat reporters for those teams, James Edwards III and Jason Jones, explore potential trade scenarios, suggesting that a package of Josh Jackson and Trey Lyles might work for both sides once Lyles, who was signed as a free agent this summer, becomes trade-eligible.
- Pistons coach Dwane Casey offered high praise for Cavaliers rookie Evan Mobley, Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press tweets. “The young man’s ceiling is off the charts, and not only that, he’s a great young man,” Casey said of the No. 3 overall pick. “He’s a student, he’s a sponge, he’s a quick-learner.” Mobley had 16 points, seven rebounds and three blocks against Detroit on Friday, while top pick Cade Cunningham committed seven turnovers in Detroit’s 20-point loss.
- Kevin Love has been cleared to return to the Cavaliers but it’s uncertain when he’ll suit up again, Chris Fedor of the Cleveland Plain Dealer tweets. Love entered the league’s health and safety protocols at the beginning of the month.
Josh Jackson was not a FA this summer
Doesn’t say he was. Says lyles was.
I traded Mobley for Wendell Carter Jr and Cunningham in a 12 team league. I hope I didn’t make a bad trade ..
It doesn’t look too good right now, as Cunningham is really struggling so far.
But for the Pistons’ sake, I hope he gets much better throughout the season.
#FreeMBIII
Mobley is amazing. He has to be my favorite rookie to watch. I think he is the next great center in the league up there with Jokic and Embiid.
Troy Brown (5M)
DJJ (9M)
Two 2nd round picks
Alex Len (3M)
MBIII (11M)
Gives Bulls more length and size with Len. Losing DJJ hurts but he was set to be a FA at the end of the year. Troy Brown already is out of the rotation and replaced by Ayo.
Like this trade but wish the Bulls could substitute Ayo for DJJ. When Coby White comes back, either Ayo or Coby will be the odd man out. Would seem counter productive to try to play five guards. Bulls will have LaVine, Ball, Caruso, White and Ayo. Understand that three guard lineups are possible but that doesn’t seem like a good idea.
I think they need to play White so his trade value goes up. He’s a proven bucket if not anything else. Look at Lemon Pepper Lou, he can just drop it in the basket for last 15 years, can’t play defense, can’t make his teammates better, but he’s craved out a niche for himself nicely. If Bulls miss out on MBIII, I think trading Troy Brown and a 2nd for Willy Hernangomez would be a nice effective deal for them. He’s making a modest 3M this year and 2.5M next year. It’s all now about finding pieces to compliment LaVine, DeRozan, Vucevic. Need toughness and an enforcer on this team. I miss Thad Young, maybe go back and get him, once he is eligible for trade again?
Pistons should go after Bagley. He’d be good for that young group. I would start him right away.
I think the opposite. He needs to be around some established vets.
Mobley is KD Jr, its wild. Never thought we’d see another KD again but Mobley is an elite superstar from day one.