After barely missing out on the NBA play-in tournament, the Chicago Bulls hope to come back strong next season. With Zach LaVine expected to be back at full strength and the Bulls having Nikola Vucevic on the roster for a full season, things are starting to look up for a franchise that's been in a rough spot for the last half-decade.
Coming into this offseason they'll really need to focus on putting the right talent to put around LaVine and Vucevic if they want to build this young Bulls squad into a playoff contender. Having said that, let's take a look at the three best trades the Bulls can make to give them a legitimate shot at the NBA Playoffs next season.
Bulls trade targets:
Ricky Rubio
An established floor general in this league, Rubio could make for a great backcourt partner with Zach LaVine while providing a killer pick-and-pop combination with Nikola Vucevic. His passing ability and veteran leadership are both qualities that the Bulls have been missing in a starting point guard.
With Rubio in the lineup, they would also be getting a high IQ defensive player that has shut down some of the league's biggest stars. Even though he doesn't score with the best of them, he can still provide them with leadership and playmaking while forming one of the best defensive backcourts in the NBA with LaVine. Plus with LaVine, Coby White, and Vucevic, they'll have plenty of scoring to go along with Rubio's stellar passing. With this move, the Bulls will add a pass-first point guard that can improve their offensive efficiency.
Myles Turner
Despite the fact that he'll more than likely be the odd man out in the Indiana Pacers, Myles Turner has established himself as one of the league's elite interior defenders, rebounders, and shot blockers. His frontcourt versatility allows him to alternate between the power forward and center spots. His efficient and well-rounded scoring ability topped off with his dominant low-post presence is something that would make him a welcome addition to the Bulls.
Especially now with Lauri Markkanen not likely to return next season, the Bulls will be shorthanded and will be in need of more size and depth in their frontcourt. The addition of Turner would give them two of the most skilled bigs in the NBA. Between Turner and Vucevic's ability to score anywhere on the floor and provide elite rim protection and LaVine's two-way athleticism and multi-faceted scoring ability, the Bulls would have an exciting new trio that could elevate them to playoff contention.
Kemba Walker
After not having the best showing for the Boston Celtics and being injured during this year's playoff run, Beantown may be looking to move on from Kemba Walker. With the Bulls looking to add veteran players to their roster and make a strong playoff push next season, this is the move that makes sense for them at the point guard spot.
When at full strength and his absolute best, Walker has been a dynamic combo guard that provides clutch scoring and savvy playmaking who can boost team morale. In Walker, the Bulls will have an ideal fit next to Zach LaVine, between their scoring, athleticism, and ball handling, you could definitely expect to see them do some damage across the league. Not to mention his pick-and-roll game with Nikola Vucevic would work like a charm and with Walker more than likely looking to start fresh, this a move that is mutually beneficial to him and the Bulls.
These may not be moves that earn the Chicago Bulls another NBA championship banner, but it definitely can get them into the playoff picture and provide them with a winning culture. Plus, when considering how far they've fallen since their last playoff appearance, this would be a great new chapter.
It would also be a breath of fresh air for Bulls fans that have been patiently waiting for a playoff contender to come into town.
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