Chicago Bulls: 5 predictions for the 2018-19 NBA season

5. The Bulls will be silent at the trade deadline

In year two of the rebuild, this is a roster that should be fully in flux. Outside of Lauri Markkanen, there really isn’t anyone on the roster who should be deemed untouchable. With that being said, it’s difficult to see the Bulls receiving much interest in any of the players potentially on the trade block.

The most obvious player to be traded would be center Robin Lopez. He’s in the last year of his contract and likely won’t return next season. He could bring value to a contender off the bench with his effort and rebounding abilities.

The problem for any team trading for Lopez is that he doesn’t fit the new style of NBA big man. More of a traditional big man who doesn’t shoot well from the outside, Lopez carries a $14 million price tag with him. It’s uncertain that a team would be willing to give up assets for the veteran big man out of Stanford.

Bobby Portis is an intriguing trade asset for the Bulls. He’s nearing restricted free agency if he’s not extended before the deadline, which is the day before the regular season begins. He’s due for a big season and will likely be looking for an even bigger payout in the summer. However, it’s unclear if the Bulls would deal Portis.

As for the rest of the roster, the front office might shop Justin Holiday, but it would be surprising if there were much interest on the market.