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The Chicago Bulls are still bent on running with a core of DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Nikola Vucevic despite the middling returns the trio has brought so far during their tenure in the Windy City. It certainly doesn't help that the Bulls won't have Lonzo Ball for the entire 2023-24 campaign after he underwent cartilage transplant surgery on his left knee back in March. Ball was the glue that helped put this squad together and with him set to miss another year, it's time for the Bulls to make moves this offseasn. With that, the Bulls should strongly consider pulling off a blockbuster offseason trade to acquire OG Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors.
Bulls offseason trade target: OG Anunoby
Without Ball, the Bulls have a glaring need for a point guard. They just re-upped Coby White to a three-year, $36 million deal, but he isn't quite the answer to solve Chicago's issues. Ayo Dosunmu, who they also signed to a three-year, $21 million contract extension, could also breakout and fill in some of the defensive holes Ball has left. But like White, he won't be the solution as well.
Unfortunately, there isn't a realistic move that Chicago can do during the offseason to address its point guard woes. With that, the Bulls can make some changes at their wing position, and OG Anunoby should be a solid player to target in a trade.
Chicago Bulls receive: OG Anunoby, Thaddeus Young
Toronto Raptors receive: DeMar DeRozan, top-10 protected 2024 first round pick
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Why this makes sense for the Bulls
The DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine dynamic hasn't been as successful as the Bulls anticipated. Therefore, it might be time for them to split the duo up.
With that, they bring in a younger player in Anunoby who also plays on both sides of the ball. They do lose DeRozan's production on the offensive end, but the Bulls get an upgrade defensively. In addition, Anunoby's improved offensive game could complement LaVine's dynamic offensive bag more than DeRozan.
This past season, Anunoby averaged 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game while shooting 47.6 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from beyond the three-point arc. He also led the league in steals, averaging 1.9 per game.
The Raptors forward has become one of the better 3-and-D players in the NBA. But he has also incrementally developed his game to being more than just a spot up guy. Anunoby, who has a player option next summer, has also expressed that he wants a larger role in the offense and the Bulls could give him that.
If Ball returns to full health next season, Chicago would trot a lineup of Ball, LaVine, Anunoby, Patrick Williams, and Vucevic. That starting unit would give the Bulls a nice balance of offense and defense that could help them make noise next season.
As for Toronto, this is obviously a nice reunion story that brings the Raptors fan favorite back to the city. DeRozan could still help the Raptors in the short-term and help them compete for a playoff spot. He and Pascal Siakam should be a solid one-two punch that can still keep Toronto competitive for this season at least. In addition, the Raptors get a 2024 top-10 protected first round pick that is added compensation for what could be a potential rental in DeRozan, whose deal expires this season.
