Hoops Habit
Fansided

Should the Chicago Bulls be active at the trade deadline?

By James Gilmore

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 21: Denzel Valentine #45 of the Chicago Bulls during the second half of a game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on December 21, 2019, in Detroit, Michigan. 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. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 21: Denzel Valentine #45 of the Chicago Bulls during the second half of a game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on December 21, 2019, in Detroit, Michigan. 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. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Chicago Bulls
Thaddeus Young #21 of the Chicago Bulls jumps for the ball during the Toronto Raptors vs Chicago Bulls NBA regular season game at Scotiabank Arena on February 02, 2020 in Toronto, Canada (Toronto Raptors won 129-102) (Photo by Anatoliy Cherkasov/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /

Are there any moves for the front office to make before the Thursday deadline?

In the NBA, there are always moves to be made, right? It seems that most of the drama is off the court. It remains to be seen how much drama will be blown into the Windy City this week.

One obvious move would involve moving Denzel Valentine. He’s clearly sunk his way deep into head coach Jim Boylen’s doghouse and if not for injuries, wouldn’t be receiving much playing time at all. He’s not Boylen’s guy so it behooves both parties to part ways. For a team in dire need of 3-point shooting – currently 25th in 3-point percentage – Valentine should be seen as an attribute more than a detriment, but alas, he and the Bulls appear headed for a breakup. There are clearly teams that could use a player like Valentine.

Valentine, in his fourth NBA season, is a career 37.1 percent 3-point shooter and in today’s NBA there is no such thing as having too many shooters. The Philadelphia 76ers and Houston Rockets are prime examples of contending teams that could benefit from Valentine’s services. The 76ers rank 20th and the Rockets 21st in 3-point percentage this season.

One trade each NBA team should consider. light. Related Story

Besides Valentine, Thaddeus Young, posting 14.2 points per game in the starting lineup the past six games, might be the most obvious trade target for contending teams. Young has previously been frustrated with his role with the Bulls and the fit hasn’t been great either. He could be on the move to a team seeking big man help. The LA Clippers have been rumored to have interest in the veteran. Markkanen’s injury may cause the Bulls to hesitate before moving Young, however.

"A league source previously confirmed to NBC Sports Chicago that the Clippers’ interest in Young is legitimate, which was first reported by the Los Angeles Times. A Clippers scout attended a recent Bulls game despite the fact the teams don’t meet again until April. K.C. Johnson nbcsports.com/chicago/bulls January 21, 2020"

When the season tipped off, the most obvious trade candidate on the roster was Kris Dunn. Now, despite his recent knee injury, the Bulls point guard could be in line for an extension with the team. He’s played outstanding defense all season and has been a solid contributor, both as a starter or off the bench. It would be somewhat surprising to see Chicago move him this week.

Home/Chicago Bulls