The Chicago Bulls got back to the NBA playoffs in the 2021-22 season but didn't last long. They got eliminated in five games at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Bulls suffered several injuries over the course of the season that hampered their ability to remain atop the Eastern Conference standings. Zach LaVine's knee injury hampered him down the stretch of the regular season, while Lonzo Ball played less than half the season and Alex Caruso played just half of it.
Even with a loaded injury report, the Bulls made significant progress. They showed they can be a powerhouse when healthy and are at worst a playoff-caliber team. That's a big step up from where they were. They still have plenty of work to do with their roster. One route Chicago should look into is finding a new man in the middle.
Trading Nikola Vucevic just two seasons after acquiring him for two first-round picks would be a bad look for the Bulls. However, they must do whatever is best for their team. Defense is the obvious need and Vucevic is the most expendable player that can return something of value. Two early targets for Chicago to acquire are Myles Turner and Chris Boucher.
2 trades Bulls must make after losing in the first round of 2022 NBA Playoffs
2. Trading Vucevic for Myles Turner
Turner was seen as one of the best options at the trade deadline but was not moved because of a foot injury. Now that he is healthy, the Indiana Pacers could look to trade him this offseason, though there are some signs that he could stick around. Still, the 26-year-old will have plenty of takers and the Bulls can start with Vucevic and work from there.
The Bulls would likely have to add in draft capital to acquire Turner or get creative with a third team to get the Pacers the picks they want. A full-on rebuild is underway in Indiana. Vucevic could be a nice temporary partner on offense for Tyrese Haliburton. Ultimately, though, the Pacers want assets for their future and the Bulls may have to pony up even more picks.
Turner's defense would significantly benefit the Bulls, who posted the 22nd-best defensive rating. Few players are as great as altering shots as he is and he has the quickness to survive outside of the paint. He could give Chicago just what they need alongside DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine.
1. Trading Vucevic in a sign-and-trade for Chris Boucher and draft capital
Boucher is something of a poor man's Turner, as he is a solid defender who can shoot from deep. Although the Toronto Raptors big man's capabilities don't offer the upside Turner does on either end, he would be a strong fit with the Bulls.
Boucher only shot 29.7 percent from deep this past season but shot 38.3 percent the previous season. Even if he doesn't reach that efficiency again, he should be able to rebound from such a poor shooting season. At the very least, he would be a defensive upgrade over Vucevic. He is a pending free agent, so the Bulls would have to acquire him via sign-and-trade.
The Raptors could use a center as skilled as Vucevic. They ranked 26th in half-court offensive efficiency this season. Bringing in Vucevic, a versatile post scorer and shooter who can also make plays for teammates, could help diversify their options alongside FredVanVleet, Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby and Scottie Barnes.
Chicago would also be wise to ask for draft compensation in a trade. The Raptors have all of their first-round picks after this year and with Vucevic still playing at a high level, he should be worth a future pick, albeit one that will likely be protected.
Signing Boucher as a free agent would be the preferred route, but the Bulls may not be able to lure him in. Making a trade for him would ensure they get him and net a draft pick. If a trade is required, Chicago could also look to get him to be a backup for Vucevic, because frontcourt depth is sorely needed.
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