The Bulls did something that I didn't think they had it in them. They actually made a trade for Jimmy Butler. This news should be absolutely mesmerizing to fans. The Bulls must have finally listened to their angry fans who have threatened to cancel paying for their season tickets. All jokes aside, it is refreshing to know that the Bulls are choosing a path to go down.
Bulls get young and more athletic
A year ago, general manager, Gar Forman, said the Bulls needed to get younger and more athletic. Then, he went out and signed 36-year old Dwyane Wade at the time, and 30-year old Rajon Rondo.
It went against everything Forman said the Bulls needed to do. Time warp a year later, and the Bulls netted 22 year old guard in Zach LaVine, 23-year old point guard Kris Dunn, and 19-year old forward, Laurie Markkanen. Combine that with 23 year old Denzel Valentine, 22 year old Bobby Portis, and 24 year old Christian Felicio.
The Bulls could sign Rajon Rondo still even though it seems unlikely. Rondo would not be a terrible sign because the younger players from last season looked up to Rondo. Even if Rondo was resigned, the Bulls are younger, and could take a step toward the future. The Bulls will probably miss the playoffs next year, but could land a top lottery pick in the draft. Plus, Rondo's money would be gone if he signed, as well as Wade's.
More on that in a minute.
Dwyane Wade should seek buyout
I never thought Wade belonged in Chicago. I remember when Wade said he always wanted to play in Chicago last year when he was signed. My first reaction was that's a lie. You had a chance in the summer of 2010 to join us, but you wanted to form a super team with LeBron James and Chris Bosh.
That was obviously the best decision since he won two more championships, but as a fan, it hurt.
Wade is rumored to want to seek a buyout for his contract. Earlier this week, Wade informed the Bulls that he wanted to exercise his option for $24 million. Now, knowing a rebuild project is looming, he wants out. I hope that Forman can make right decision number two soon.
The Bulls will be bad next season, but could save a lot of money by getting Wade off the books. The Bulls will hopefully be able to make a run at a top free agent in the summer of 2018. Show him the door if you can.
Young guys will be exciting to watch
I think next season will still be fun to watch now. LaVine was averaging nearly 18 points a game last season before he went down with an injury. He was also an explosive dunker when he won the Slam Dunk Contest in 2015 and 2016. Dunn had a rocky start to his career, but had high praise coming out of college. Who knows what the rest will do, but we do know one thing. Fred Hoiberg will be forced to play the young guys, and Bulls fans will finally get the chance to see what they can do.
