The Chicago Bulls are expected to chase big-name players to put themselves in a good position to contend at least for the Eastern Conference title in the next several seasons. They are not currently linked to any players at this point, but several names are floating around as options for the Bulls.
Anthony Davis to the Windy City?
Anthony Davis might force his way out of New Orleans if they fail to assemble a team that can contend for a title. Several teams are being linked to Davis, and Michael Rene Kanoy of Sir Charles In Charge suggested that the Bulls should join the race to sign the superstar forward.
According to Kanoy, the Bulls might have enough assets to convince the Pelicans to move the five-time All-Star to Chicago. The Bulls might end up with one of the higher picks in the 2018 NBA Draft, and they do have another first-round pick to include in a trade for Davis.
Aside from the picks, the Bulls also have a good collection of young stars, who might be attractive for the Pelicans in case they go on a full rebuild. They can include one or two of their young players – Kris Dunn, Lauri Markkanen, Zach LaVine, Denzel Valentine or Bobby Portis – to make their trade package more attractive.
Giving up one or two of their promising young players along with first-round picks looks costly, but the Bulls can turn their fortunes around immediately with Davis as their main player.
The five-time All-Star is averaging 27.7 points and 10.9 rebounds to go along with 2.2 blocks per game this season.
How about Aaron Gordon?
Meanwhile, Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon might also become available this summer. And, according to Bryce Fields, the Bulls should consider pursuing Gordon this summer. Fields said that Gordon still looks raw at this point, but there is still a lot of room to improve because he is just 22 years old.
He added that signing Gordon will have “benefits now and down the road” for the Bulls, who are currently rebuilding their roster.
However, acquiring Gordon will be easier said than done for Chicago, as several teams are expected to make a run at the former Arizona standout. Sean Deveney of Sporting News recently reported that the Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, and the Indiana Pacers are also eyeing Gordon.
The Suns will be a sentimental favorite since Gordon played in Arizona in college, and they also have the cap space to offer an enticing deal. The Mavericks, on the other hand, are looking to add more young players, preparing for the eventual retirement of Dirk Nowitzki.
Gordon is averaging 18.2 points and 8.2 rebounds in his fourth season with the Magic. The California native will become a restricted free agent, but it remains to be seen whether or not the Magic will decide to match big offer sheets for the high-flying forward.