The Bulls offseason decision to sign Jabari Parker has been publically criticized all season. It’s no secret that the deal has not worked out for either side.
From being signed to a contract well above market value to play a position he’s not suited for, to Parking coming to camp way out of shape, to being benched by Jim Boylen for over a month, Parker’s Bulls tenure has become more and more sad with each passing day.
However, Wendell Carter Jr’s injury forced Parker back into the rotation and he’s made good with his second chance.
Since January 12th, Parker has averaged 12.2 points per game on 61% shooting over 17 minutes a game. Defensive warts and all, that kind of offensive efficiency could be useful off the bench for several playoff contenders.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst has linked Parker to the Lakers.
“Now I’m not saying this deal is done, but one place they’ve (the lakers) have talked to is chicago for JAbari Parker. The bulls really like Kentavi0us Caldwell-Pope. Jabari Parker Could be a laker in the next few days.”
That quote came on Monday, and there’s still a little less than 24 hours until this year’s trade deadline. While there may be more teams than just LA inquiring about Parker, this is the most concrete rumor that’s out there.
Caldwell-Pope, 25, is on an expiring contract making $12M this season. I’d imagine the Bulls would try to gain a second round pick as well, but Parker likely isn’t enough of an upgrade over KCP to warrant that.
If it comes to trading Jabari for a cheaper expiring contract, the Bulls will probably pull the trigger but certainly won’t be excited about it.
The Bulls play New Orleans at the United Center tonight, it might be Parker’s last game as a Bull.
UPDATE
Jabari Parker and Bobby Portis have been traded to the Wizards for Otto Porter.
The Washington Wizards are sending Otto Porter to the Chicago Bulls for Bobby Portis and Jabari Parker, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @WatchStadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 7, 2019
