Rumors are circulating that the Chicago Bulls might try to move up in the 2024 NBA Draft. Given their lack of significant trade activity over the past three years, fans are understandably skeptical. Nonetheless, the Bulls are reportedly interested in acquiring Matas Buzelis, a promising prospect, and various scenarios for moving up to select him have been discussed.
For the Bulls, looking to refresh their roster this summer, adding a versatile and athletic wing player like Buzelis could be a strategic move. However, some argue that this year’s draft class is not particularly strong, and the Bulls might be able to secure a player of similar quality with their existing 11th pick without giving up valuable assets.
Despite the debate over the draft’s depth, history shows that overlooked drafts often yield future stars. Trading up would increase the Bulls’ chances of landing one of these potential stars, but the critical question remains: what is the right price to pay for such an opportunity?
Bulls writer Sam Smith recently highlighted in a mailbag that the Detroit Pistons might be the Bulls’ best trading partner. The Pistons, aiming to add experienced talent to their squad, hold the 5th pick where Buzelis is expected to be available. If Detroit is open to acquiring Zach LaVine, a straightforward pick swap could be on the table. However, Smith suggested a more audacious plan: trading both LaVine and Alex Caruso for Detroit’s 5th pick.
This move would undoubtedly be bold and may have short-term drawbacks for the Bulls. Caruso could be the incentive needed for another team to take on LaVine’s substantial contract. Given that Caruso’s contract is expiring and he might leave in free agency, using him to facilitate a trade could help the Bulls clear significant cap space.
Even if the Bulls have to accept an unfavorable contract like Evan Fournier’s $19 million deal, they would still free up around $30 million in cap space and gain both the 5th and 11th picks. This influx of young talent could be crucial for the Bulls’ rebuilding process.
Offloading LaVine’s contract will not be an easy task, but if it can be achieved through a strategic deal involving Caruso, it is an option worth serious consideration for the Bulls.
