Otto Porter Jr. has been with the Chicago Bulls since February 2019 but has only played 24 games. While reports reveal that he's close to returning from his foot injury, his health status may still pose a concern for the organization. Not to mention his hefty contract which may constrict future roster movements for the rebuilding organization. These may be the reasons why the Bulls should consider placing Porter Jr. on the trade block.
This season, the 26-year-old is making $27.3 million and he has a player option for $28.5 million for 2020-21. This makes him the highest-paid Bulls player, ahead of Zach LaVine who's making $19.5 million this year as well as the next. This fact alone has raised several eyebrows among Bulls fans.
Porter Jr.'s lucrative contract originated from the Brooklyn Nets. In July 2017, the team kept the swingman by matching the four-year, $106.5 million contract he signed, arguing that he is one of the cornerstones of the franchise. His 3-point shooting ability and versatility were his main assets. But in the next two seasons after inking the deal, Porter was hit with the injury bug which has raised questions if he's really worth that contract.
Coupled with Porter's dire situation, it's crystal clear that Zach LaVine is already the main guy of the Jim Boylen-led group. The 24-year-old high-flyer is putting up 25.1 points per game, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists across 34.5 minutes. While the Bulls have a mediocre 19-33 record, LaVine's rise is seen as a tangible sign that the entire organization will see a resurgence as well. All they need is a few complementary pieces to complete the puzzle.
To achieve this, ending the Porter Jr. era seems to be a viable option. Trading him away means shedding off that hefty contract — a tough assignment but an imperative one. This will essentially give the Bulls ample room to build their roster around LaVine. Porter Jr. could be worth a savvy veteran plus some draft picks. Apart from acquiring more pieces, the Bulls can offer LaVine the max contract that he deserves.
Besides, Porter Jr. is still young and when he's healthy, he has the capacity to be one of the deadliest shooters around. There are plenty of teams who might be interested in absorbing his services. The Bulls, for their part, cannot wait any longer for him to be at a hundred percent. Not with LaVine entering his prime years. As we have seen many times in the last few years, a premium has been placed at winning the title. If the front office fails to deliver, then they might as well bid goodbye to their young star.
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