The Bulls have many glaring issues they need to address at the trade deadline if they want to make a serious playoff push in the second half of the season. As they impatiently wait for Lonzo Ball’s return to improve the tempo and playmaking for this team, they are desperate to find defensive rebounding help outside Nikola Vucevic.

John Collins has been part of trade rumors for almost a year. After signing a massive $125 million contract with the Hawks, the forward and the franchise have mutually agreed to move on from their relationship. Collins fits some but not all of the issues the Bulls face with their current roster. Patrick Williams has shown growth in his third season but remains overall underwhelming and provides very little help. Collins, age 25, is still a young piece to build around along with Zach LaVine.

Bulls Trade Package For John Collins

It won’t be easy landing Collins. Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell have set the asking price unreasonably high for a fringe all-star like John Collins. After acquiring Dejounte Murray over the summer, the Hawks are focused on winning now. Swapping Collins for some draft picks likely won’t cut it for Atlanta.

Bulls Trade: Patrick Williams, Alex Caruso, Derrick Jones Jr., a future second-round pick

Hawks Trade: John Collins

The Hawks can add a win-now guard with Alex Caruso as a solid insurance policy for Dejounte Murray and Trae Young. They also keep their interior athletic size with Patrick Williams and Derrick Jones Jr.

The Bulls acquire a difference maker with his high-energy style of play. Nikola Vucevic desperately needs help with the interior rebounds. When healthy, Collins fits perfectly next to a three-pointer shooter like Vucevic and a great playmaker in Lonzo Ball.

If the Bulls stand pat, they’ll be stuck in the mud. If they make this trade, it could be the jolt of energy they need.