After taking a big leap forward this season, the Chicago Bulls momentum was brought to a halt in the playoffs. A 4-1 series loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round of the playoffs kicked off the Bulls’ offseason earlier than they may have hoped. Now, Chicago’s front office has to figure out the next step forward.
According to a report from the Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, the Bulls may have found their next sep.
O’Connor reports that league sources tell him the Bulls have an interest in trading for Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert. The six-time all-defensive team selectee could be available for trade due to the circumstances at hand in Utah. There are rumblings of dissatisfaction in the Jazz locker room following the departure of head coach Quin Snyder.
Gobert, a three-time defensive player of the year, could be a huge addition for the Bulls. His rim protection and interior defense is virtually unmatched. However, there are some downsides. O’Connor says league executives are averse to paying for an “expensive offensive liability.”
The French big averaged 15.6 points on 71.1% shooting, but his lack of perimeter scoring and playmaking abilities makes him a handicap in the modern NBA offense. Gobert will make $42.4 million in the next four seasons. The Bulls could currently afford that under the $122 million 2022-23 salary cap.
Gobert comes at a high price, but his elite interior defense could be a handy tool for a Bulls team loaded with offense. If Chicago is willing to pay the price, they could make a big splash this Summer.
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