The Bulls made no moves ahead of the NBA trade deadline on Thursday. There were rumored attempts but nothing came to fruition. While that made some fans angry most understand what the Bulls have and are willing to give up. This team has a high ceiling if everyone is healthy and the front office wasn’t willing to mess that up. So here we are two days after the trade deadline wondering what moves the Bulls might make in the buyout market. They have some temporary needs as players recover from injury and there are quite a few good candidates out there.
Potential #NBA Buyout Candidates
Blake Griffin, BKN
Dennis Schröder, HOU
John Wall, HOU
Tristan Thompson, IND
DeAndre Jordan, LAL
Kent Bazemore, LAL
Robin Lopez, ORL
Gary Harris, ORL
Paul Millsap, PHI
Eric Bledsoe, POR
Jeremy Lamb, SAC
Goran Dragic, SAS
Tomas Satoransky, SAS— Spotrac (@spotrac) February 11, 2022
The list is filled with players who can help fill a temporary void and make an impact immediately. This puts the Bulls in a position to swoop in and grab someone who can help keep them atop the Eastern Conference until everyone comes back from injury. The two positions the Bulls need the most help with are point guard and power forward. The injuries to guards Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso are going to keep them both out until late March-early April. The injury to power forward Patrick Williams will keep him out until around the same time. There are a lot of games to be played in that time frame and the Bulls need to bring in someone to help keep them afloat.
The best options at guard
Goran Dragic
Since the team has two guards who will be out for a long period they need to focus on that position first in the buyout market. After the trade deadline was over it was rumored that the Bulls already have interest in one specific guard if he hits the buyout market.
The Chicago Bulls are expected to show interest in point guard Goran Dragic if he hits the buyout market, per @wojespn.
— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) February 10, 2022
Dragic is a 13-year veteran guard who knows the ins and outs of the game. Unfortunately, he’s only played in 5 games this season with the Toronto Raptors. After just 5 games this season Dragic stepped away from the team for personal reasons and never returned. Regardless of the reason, he’s still a solid player who can be a serviceable guard for the Bulls. If he hits the buyout market the Bulls need to consider picking him up to help at the guard position.
Dennis Schroder
Another intriguing guard is Dennis Schroder. His play typically ends up being missed due to all the trash talk about him turning down a major contract just to end up getting a significantly smaller one-year deal. Leaving that blunder behind him he’s been playing quite well for the Celtics this season. Averaging 14.4 PPG, 44 %FG, 4.2 APG, & 3.3 RPG isn’t exactly an easy thing to do in the NBA. He’s got the talent to provide a boost for the Bulls. It’s just a matter of if he gets bought out or not. If he does the Bulls will likely have an interest as it was reported they had submitted a trade offer for Schroder ahead of the deadline.
According to @MikeAScotto, #Celtics PG Dennis Schroder is a name to watch for the #Bulls. https://t.co/WrkzCGef4d
— Kyle Cohen (@kylecohenNBA) February 7, 2022
Obviously, a deal never went through but if they were interested before they will certainly be interested now. It is still possible the Rockets will want to keep Schroder so we will have to keep an eye on how that plays out.
The field
Of the guards that could potentially be available those are the two most likely for the Bulls front office to go after. Maybe the Bulls will venture out and look at someone like Eric Bledsoe or even bring back Tomas Satoransky. It would be a long shot for those guards but you never know what could happen. But the safest bet would be on Dragic or Schroder if the Bulls are going to bring in buyout help at the guard spot.
The best options at power forward
Paul Millsap
When it comes to the power forward position the Bulls have needed more depth all year. Regardless of the injury, the Bulls weren’t deep at that position. With Williams being out and many more injuries popping up the Bulls are desperately in need of some help at that position. One name that needs to be looked at if they are bought out is forward Paul Millsap. Millsap is a 16-year veteran who has played under Bulls front office leader Arturas Karnsiovas. Millsap hasn’t gotten much playing time in Brooklyn and was included in the blockbuster trade to Philadelphia. If the 76ers buy him out it seems like it could be the perfect fit in Chicago.
According to @JakeLFischer, it's believed that #Nets PF Paul Millsap (personal) would prefer to land with the #Bulls due to his connection with Arturas Karnisovas from their #Nuggets days, but the #Lakers have also been mentioned as a possible suitor if he's bought out. https://t.co/IxQpj0ZY4f
— Kyle Cohen (@kylecohenNBA) February 9, 2022
Due to his connection with Karnisovas, it only makes sense for Millsap to end up in Chicago if he’s bought out. Some may think his best basketball is behind him but Millsap can still play and make a difference for a team that needs some play-making at that position. Another veteran presence in the locker room wouldn’t hurt either. Definitely keep your eyes peeled if Millsap ends up on the buyout market.
Tristan Thompson
This is an option that I’m not exactly crazy about but can make sense for the Bulls. It doesn’t look extremely likely considering he’s already played in a game with his new team but you never know. Tristan Thompson looks like his best days are behind him but sometimes a change of scenery is all it takes to get someone going again. He’s a big body at 6’9″ 255 lb and can take up space defensively. He can rebound well and that’s an area the Bulls could use some help in.
He’s not going to make waves offensively but the Bulls don’t necessarily need that. Thompson is a goon off the court and that could be a distraction but as a half-year rental, it’s not the worst option out there. If the Bulls are just looking for good rebounding and a better defensive presence then Thompson will fit. It’s all going to come down to who ends up getting bought out now.
The Bulls will be active
As the buyout market becomes more clear over the next few days you can expect the Bulls to be active. They were rumored to be active ahead of the trade deadline but nothing panned out. The front office wants to win now and likes the guys they have. But they aren’t beyond recognizing that a half-year rental on a veteran could benefit this team. If any of the above-mentioned guys become available don’t be surprised if the Bulls reach out and make an offer.
