Charlotte Hornets: 5 potential Kemba Walker trades

5. Chicago Bulls

Following the loss of All-Star Jimmy Butler last offseason, the Bulls saw their win total drop from 41 to 27 wins, and in the process, missed out on the postseason action.

This slide down the standings resulted in a higher draft selection, with the Bulls nabbing Wendell Carter Jr. of Duke with the No. 7 overall pick. In combination with last year’s No. 7 overall pick in Lauri Markkanen, the Bulls have the potential of a formidable frontcourt for years to come.

However, one area they are lacking in moving forward is high-level, veteran experience. Having only just turned 28, and seemingly entering his prime, Walker represents a terrific fit for a Bulls team looking to rebuild its image. While he is not one of the prime players featured in the free agency class of 2019, obtaining Walker ahead of time, and getting him familiar with the Bulls culture and setup, would be a terrific move heading forward.

In the proposed deal, the Hornets replace Walker at the point with the up-and-coming Kris Dunn. After a disappointing rookie season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dunn made the most of his opportunity with the Bulls, averaging 13.4 points, 6.0 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game.

Despite missing 30 games due to a variety of injuries, Dunn made it clear why he was chosen fifth overall in 2016 with his contributions at both ends of the floor.

In addition, the Hornets would receive the expiring contracts of Robin Lopez and Bobby Portis. While Lopez is now 30 and certainly not a future building block, the 23-year-old Portis is an intriguing piece for the Hornets.

Averaging 13.2 points and 6.8 rebounds in just 22.5 minutes per game, Portis was one of the more explosive bench performers in the league, starting just four of his 73 games for the season. Among Portis’ season highlights included nine games of at least 20 points, including a 38-point explosion against the Philadelphia 76ers.

On top of welcoming aboard Walker, the Bulls also bring aboard small forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. While a non-threat on the perimeter, the former No. 2 overall pick is an exceptional perimeter defender, and will be under contract for next season (with a $13 million player option for 2019-20).

So with a core nucleus of Walker, Markannen, Carter and presumably free agent Zach LaVine, the Bulls have the makings of a team to be reckoned with in the near future.