At 5-1, the Chicago Bulls are the class of the Eastern Conference, tied with the Philadelphia 76ers for the best record.
Thanks to stellar play from Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Nikola Vucevic, and Ayo Dosunmu, the Bulls’ hot start doesn’t look like a fluke. Add in high-level play from the supporting cast, and Chicago could make a very real playoff run, not just settling for the play-in.
The Bulls are finding this success without backup center Zach Collins and star shooting guard Coby White. Both will be free agents after this season, and the success the Bulls have found without them makes them expendable.
In an effort to improve before the trade deadline, the Bulls have been urged to make a splashy deal.
GettyMEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 28: Josh Giddey #3 of the Chicago Bulls goes to the basket against Scotty Pippen Jr. #1 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half at FedExForum on October 28, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Chicago Bulls Linked to Ja Morant
After being suspended by the Memphis Grizzlies for one game, Ja Morant’s time in Tennessee seems to be wearing thin. He has quickly emerged as the hottest name in trade rumors.
However, his value is not that high. Not only is he unreliable–between injuries and suspensions–but he also hasn’t imporved his game that much.
Still, he would be an upgrade in the backcourt over Tre Jones. The Bulls have thrived this season pairing Giddey with a traditional point guard, and Morant fits the bill.
“Ja, in a change of scenery, where he’s happy and he’s motivated, could be a total force and the type of player that the Chicago Bulls have not had in quite some time,” suggested The Ringer’s Michael Pina on the Zach Lowe Show’s November 3rd episode.
Morant has averaged 25.5 points and 7.4 assists per game over the last five seasons. Like Jones, he isn’t much of a shooting threat. However, he brings an added scoring punch, and the Bulls have ample shooters to surround him.
“He compliments, or can compliment, Matas Buzelis, who looks amazing and is one of the more bright spots that Chicago Bulls fans have had to root for in years,” Pina continued. “And if Josh Giddey keeps making 3s, he’s looking very frisky. I don’t think that that is an atrocious fit either. So, just throwing it out there from a talent asset accumulation standpoint, I love the Chicago Bulls. I love what they’re doing. But if I only have to give up Coby White, who I’m probably not going to re-sign anyway, and Zach Collins expiring contract, I’m going to probably consider that and maybe do it.”
However, there is one problem with adding him.
Ja Morant Limits Chicago Bulls’ Flexability
The Bulls only have eight players under contract to the tune of $86 million for next season. If the Bulls can stay steady this season, they will have their pick of the litter in free agency.
While adding Morant wouldn’t eat up all of the cap space the Bulls can boast, it would limit their options.
“Chicago has a ton of cap space this summer and who knows what could happen there,” Pina added. “Trading for Ja Morant doesn’t kill all of it, I don’t think, but it pretty much takes you out of the running in a lot of stuff.”
Collins and White come very close to matching Morant’s salary, and the Bulls have some draft capital to play with. Morant isn’t worth a massive trade package at this point, but Chicago could make an agreeable offer.
Of course, if the Bulls add Morant, the point guard problem is solved. Vucevic is on an expriring contract, and the Bulls would need to add a center next summer. Trading for Morant doesn’t totally ruin the chances they have.
If Billy Donovan thinks he can control Morant and has faith that he can stay healthy, it isn’t a horrible deal for the Bulls. However, with Morant’s track record, it would be a risky gamble.
NBA Mock Trade Gives Chicago Bulls Injury Relief and Star Talent