Chicago Bulls: 3 players most likely to be traded in 2018-19

3. Bobby Portis

Bobby Portis has turned himself into somewhat of a fan favorite in Chicago. He fits the Chicago/Midwest mold of tenacity combined with rooted enthusiasm. The only problem for Portis is that he may not have a future in the Windy City.

Lauri Markkanen, Jabari Parker and Wendell Carter Jr. all sit safely ahead of Portis on the depth chart in the frtoncourt. With Portis set to become a restricted free agent in the summer of 2019, it’s difficult to see where he fits in future plans. More importantly, it may be tougher to see how Chicago fits in Portis’ vision for the future.

Portis would bring more value in a return trade for the Bulls than any other potentially available player. The only reason why he’s ranked No. 3 on this list is because of the likelihood of such a trade. The Bulls front office seems to love Portis, as evidenced by the trade of Nikola Mirotic after he was the victim of a Portis sucker punch days before the start of last season.

With Chicago still rebuilding, it would make sense for the Bulls to trade the 6’11” power forward who has developed decent range for a big man. Last season, Portis posted 13.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game while shooting 47.1 percent from the field, including 35.9 percent from 3-point range. Still just 23, these numbers could attract suitors willing to give up a first round pick for the Arkansas product.