It’s going to be a bloodbath in Chicago.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have acquired Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso in a trade, according to ESPN. In exchange, the Thunder will receive Josh Giddy in a standalone trade.
It appears that Chicago has finally made a decision. The Bulls have been stuck in the play-in tournament for the past two seasons. The team seems to have realized its limitations and is in full rebuilding mode.
Fifth-year guard Koby White seems to be the only solid contributor. White has finally realized his potential this season, averaging 19.1 points and 5.1 assists per game. The team is expected to build around White and bring in helpers like Giddy, 텍사스홀덤사이트 who was acquired in the Caruso trade.
The attention now turns to Chicago’s existing big three. Zach LaVine, Dermar Drojan, and Nikola Vucevic. Drojan is a free agent. Both Chicago and Drojan are reportedly interested in re-signing him. However, it’s unclear if Drojan, who is in his mid-30s, will be attracted to Chicago’s rebuild.
The biggest question mark is Lavine. Lavine is a player capable of averaging 20 points, but he was riddled with injuries last season. Add to that the fact that his game has definitely dropped off from where it was. The problem is that he has a big contract and no team is willing to take him on. Lavine has $45 million per year remaining on his contract through 2027.
Chicago appears to be actively looking to trade Lavine. According to local Chicago media outlet NBC Chicago, the Bulls have been in contact with the Philadelphia 76ers and Utah Jazz in trade talks. For Chicago, it’s more about getting rid of Lavine than getting anything in return.
Vucevic’s situation is also ambiguous. Vucevic is a decent starting-caliber big man, but he has weaknesses on defense and is not a dominant offensive big man. Unlike LaVine, Vucevic’s remaining contract isn’t huge ($20 million per year), so there should be a team willing to take him on.
Chicago’s woes don’t end there. There’s also Lonzo Ball, who’s been sidelined with injuries, and forward prospect Patrick Williams, who’s set to hit free agency.
It’s going to be a tough offseason for Chicago’s front office.