Yesterday, Vincent Goodwill of NBC Sports Chicago reported that the Bulls are actively trying to move up the draft board.
JUST IN: @vgoodwill is reporting that the Chicago Bulls have inquired about moving up from the seventh spot in the draft to either the third or fourth pick.
— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) June 19, 2018
Is Michael Porter Jr. a target for the Bulls and are they looking to move up to secure him? Draft night will be eventful, again: https://t.co/LQwovADVaD pic.twitter.com/VigzheiI6u
— Vincent Goodwill (@vgoodwill) June 19, 2018
Well, if the Bulls are serious about moving up, it won’t take long for them to find a trade partner.
The Grizzlies, meanwhile, continue to receive significant trade interest in the No. 4 pick in scenarios where they would also send out Chandler Parsons. The Grizz are said to be taking more calls than they're making, but staying in the high lottery is obviously crucial to Memphis https://t.co/Z3dPjwvs7A
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 18, 2018
“staying in the high lottery is obviously crucial to Memphis”. Well then, good thing the Bulls have a pick in the high lottery.
The Grizzlies seem intent on competing again next season with Mike Conley returning from injury and Marc Gasol remaining productive, but adding an impact rookie doesn’t seem to be enough to satisfy the organization.
However, they can’t do anything in free agency because of injury-riddled Chandler Parsons’ contract, which owes him $49M over the next two seasons.
That’s where the Bulls could come in.
The Bulls probably wouldn’t need to give up any other assets to move up three spots if they took on Parsons’ contract. Also, despite many fans’ hopes and wishes, it’s likely the Bulls won’t be ready to splurge in free agency until after Parsons’ contract will come off the books, which means taking on his contract wouldn’t be that big of a deal.
If the #4 pick comes up and a player the Bulls are enamored with remains available, say Michael Porter or Mo Bamba, it would be nice to see the Bulls be bold and go get their guy.