Everyone around the NBA has a plan for the Chicago Bulls. This team has been stuck in mediocrity for a long time. As a result, there’s a widespread consensus on what they should do: the Bulls should be sellers at this year’s trade deadline.
That’s easy for us to say. In reality, rebuilding isn’t an easy process for an NBA team. The organization stands to lose money. The fans may lose interest. Perhaps the Bulls ought to rebuild – but if they’d rather avoid that course of action, that’s understandable.
So, what’s the plan? Standing pat doesn’t feel like an option. The Bulls are mediocre. Perhaps they could be surprise buyers at this year’s deadline. Could they make a move for Kyle Kuzma of the Washington Wizards?
The Trade Proposal
Washington Wizards receive: F Patrick Williams, G Ayo Dosunmu, G Jevon Carter, F Terry Taylor, 2027 First-Round Pick (CHI)
Chicago Bulls receive: F Kyle Kuzma
For a long time, fans waited for the Wizards to make a move as well. They resisted the impulse. The Wizards dragged their heels before finally trading Bradley Beal. How did that work out for them?
It’s hard to say. It feels fair to say that the Wizards could have received a stronger return for Beal if they’d moved him sooner. Meanwhile, they’ve plummeted to the bottom of the standings. Did the Wizards make a mistake?
We wouldn’t go that far. Sure, the Wizards didn’t get an optimal return for Beal. They still made the right decision to get a fresh start. Should the Bulls avoid making the same decision?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
Frankly, no. Let’s be clear – the Bulls should rebuild. This is probably not the deal for them.
At the same time, it’s clear that Chicago would prefer to avoid that fate. So, we’ll operate on their terms. Disregard what we think they should do. What should the Bulls do if they insist on resisting a rebuild? Realistically, they should trade for another impact player.
Kuzma is an impact player. The pieces in Chicago already make for an awkward fit, and Kuzma may not help matters. With that said, between Kuzma, Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, and Kuzma, the Bulls may simply have too much firepower to miss the playoffs. Should the Wizards help them add to their arsenal?
Why The Washington Wizards Do The Deal
It seems that the Wizards are open to moving Kuzma. It’s been rumored that they’re seeking multiple first-round picks for him. That’s probably ambitious. Kuzma’s long-term contract is likely to negatively impact his trade value.
So, the Wizards will live with one unprotected first. This Bulls team will remain a candidate to combust following this deal. If they’re simply delaying the inevitable, the Wizards may be picking up a future lottery pick in this trade.
Moreover, the Wizards were already rumored to be interested in Williams. He’s a young player who can be part of their core – and so is Dosunmu. This deal helps the Wizards rebuild. That’s a fate that this organization has already accepted.
