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Chicago Bulls: 3 reasons trading for Otto Porter Jr. makes sense

By Bobby Friedman

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 31: Otto Porter Jr. #22 of the Washington Wizards shoots the ball against the Chicago Bulls on December 31, 2017 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 31: Otto Porter Jr. #22 of the Washington Wizards shoots the ball against the Chicago Bulls on December 31, 2017 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images /

With the Washington Wizards in turmoil, pursuing a deal for Otto Porter Jr. makes more sense now for the Chicago Bulls than ever.

A truly talented scoring power forward with an equally limited ability to play multiple positions or defense may have lost his rotation spot in the NBA in 2018.

While Chicago Bulls fans are envisioning Jabari Parker right now, the truth is that description could just as well go for future Hall-of-Famer Carmelo Anthony. And though Melo has earned that title, he also is responsible for his own untimely downfall.

With nearly a decade between the two in age, Jabari Parker simply does not have to become that. More players today are aware of their responsibilities to evolve, and if Parker wants to have a fruitful career, he will have to learn to guard small forwards, continue to hone his playmaking from the elbow and beyond, as well as his 3-point shot.

Regardless of what Parker does, he will need to evolve in a different uniform. His play is too similar and far less enticing than that of the sophomore Lauri Markkanen, and with just this year’s $20 million guaranteed and next year’s team option also for $20 million, he is a great candidate to be moved.

That’s where Otto Porter Jr. comes in, a guy who proved his rebounding and defensive prowess in his breakout 2016-17 campaign where he averaged 14.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.8 3-pointers per game.

While a player-for-player swap for Porter doesn’t make sense for a bunch of reasons, the Washington Wizards are indeed a strong and viable trade partner. Here are some reasons why the deal would help both teams.

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