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At the NBA trade deadline, the Chicago Bulls made an odd choice to not acquire anyone to help improve their team. It was a questionable choice on the Bulls' part, given that they are a team that has a chance to win an NBA championship, and they should have made some changes.
While it's difficult to tell why the Bulls didn't make any trades, reports suggest that they are comfortable with the team they have, which is understandable given that they were playing like one of the top teams in the NBA when they were completely healthy. Their front office should have understood that they haven't fared well against the other top teams in the NBA, and that trend doesn't appear to be changing anytime soon. Given how bad Nikola Vucevic has looked defending the rim, players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid are going to have a field day with him.
According to speculations, the Bulls will try to add a few players during the buyout period, so let's take a look at a couple that may improve this team.
While all of these players may not be the ideal fit, competing teams will do everything possible to improve their rosters before the deadline. These guys may not be the huge names and impact players that fans are expecting for, but keep in mind that even a little grab for a competitive club might turn them into champions. Despite the fact that no buyout option is the huge name that supporters are yearning for, there are plenty of people who can assist their club go to the top.
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Bulls Buyout Candidates
4. Tristan Thompson
If he is bought out, the Chicago Bulls may be a good fit for him, and there have been speculations that they are interested in getting him. He isn't the ideal fit for this team, but with their need for a big guy who can defend the rim, he may be someone they are looking at.
The Bulls did nothing at the deadline, yet if they had, they may have won the NBA championship. It would be dishonest to imply that the Bulls have no chance of winning a title since they do. Even if they are confident in Caruso, Ball, and Patrick Williams returning, not getting anyone before the deadline was dubious. Even with those three guys, there is still a major need for a big body, unless they trust Williams to stop Giannis and Embiid in the playoffs, which, to be honest, will not be a good thing. They have some areas where they are really strong, but they also have other areas where they need to develop. It'll be fascinating to watch what kind of moves they make during the buyout season, but this is one that they're reportedly very interested in.
3. Robin Lopez
Robin Lopez is comparable to Tristan Thompson in that he isn't the big-name player the Bulls are seeking for, but he may be a valuable addition at the center position. Teams are taking advantage of Nikola Vucevic inside, as everyone has seen, and this is something the Bulls cannot allow in the playoffs if they want to beat teams like the Milwaukee Bucks or the Philadelphia 76ers, who have arguably the two best players in basketball in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid.
Lopez is one of those veterans who can defend at an above-average level while still being able to contribute offensively and with rebounds. He's a big body, which the Bulls should be interested in because they can run a variety of defensive schemes against teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, as we've seen from other teams in the past.
2. Paul Millsap
Paul Millsap would be a unique addition to the Chicago Bulls roster, but he is clearly past his prime. Getting Robin Lopez could be their best bet, because, like Tristan Thompson, Millsap is no longer the player he once was. That doesn't rule out Paul Millsap as a viable option for this Bulls squad, despite the fact that he is a player who might potentially assist them in stopping Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Millsap has been linked to the Bulls since last summer, and now that he's with the 76ers, there's a significant possibility he'll be bought out and join the Bulls.
Given that he hasn't played much this season, it's one of those risk-reward situations that the Bulls could be interested in. When he did play, he was still a scorer, and he can certainly assist them with their rebounding and defensive problems.
1. Dennis Schroder
A ball-handler who can manage the second unit is something the Chicago Bulls might need in addition to a center, which is their most pressing need. They could put all their faith in Ayo Dosunmu, which isn't necessarily a bad idea for this Bulls team considering how well he's performed, but if they want to get someone they can trust right now, Dennis Schroder could be a nice fit.
Despite the fact that Dennis Schroder's defensive flaws make him an imperfect fit for the Bulls' second unit, he is still someone who can contribute to the offensive side of the ball. It'll be interesting to see if they opt to pursue him, given that they could either move Lonzo Ball to the second unit or have Ayo Dosunmu start or lead that second unit whenever Lonzo Ball returns.
