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2016 NBA Draft Primer: Central Division

By Ryan Blackburn

Mar 26, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) handles the ball while Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) defends during the second half of a basketball game at Amway Center. The Magic won 111-89. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) handles the ball while Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) defends during the second half of a basketball game at Amway Center. The Magic won 111-89. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 7, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) looks on during the second half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) looks on during the second half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago Bulls

Draft Picks: 14, 48

Team Needs: Identity, starting center, wing shooters

Untouchable Players: None

Expendable Assets: Derrick Rose, Jimmy Butler, Taj Gibson

Summary: 

I am of the opinion that the Chicago Bulls need to blow up their team.

With the discourse in the locker room, a star struggle between Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler, and the impending departure of key free agents, the Bulls should see the writing on the wall. The championship window has passed, and they need to build with young talent.

Yes, Jimmy Butler is still great. Yes, Derrick Rose can still look like an MVP. No, they cannot and will not fit together for the rest of their careers. Neither is a strong enough shooter for the other, and both are at their best when playing on the ball.

Can one of the two stars be kept around? Sure, but he needs to be patient enough to oversee a two- or three-year hiatus from the playoffs. Young players take awhile to coexist with older stars, but the Bulls need to understand that the current formula does not work.

Ideal Draft Day Trade:

Replacing Butler with a high quality selection in the NBA draft is ideal, and what’s even better is to get a building block like Andrew Wiggins out of it. He’s still very raw, but he has demonstrated the ability to take over games offensively, and Chicago needs a new face of the franchise.

In addition, drafting the best player available at fifth overall will be very helpful, especially if it’s Jamal Murray.

Predictions: 

The Bulls will shop their stars around, but in all likelihood, it will be too difficult to part with Rose or Butler this soon. Chicago needs to make a decision, but Gar Forman and company likely won’t  want to rush the decision.

Instead, look for the Bulls to take the best player available at No. 14. Backcourt players like Wade Baldwin IV, Timothe Luwawu and Dejounte Murray would provide solid insurance just in case one of the two stars is dealt, and they could be quality backups even if they aren’t.

Next: Cleveland Cavaliers