Da Windy City
Fansided

Bad contract trades the Chicago Bulls should pursue to add long-term assets

By Dan Schmelzer

(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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Noah Vonleh
HOUSTON, TX – NOVEMBER 18: Noah Vonleh #21 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks to pass the basketball over Ty Lawson #3 of the Houston Rockets during their game at the Toyota Center on November 18, 2015 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images) /

Trade with Portland Trail Blazers

Of the three projected deals in this post, this one with the Portland Trail Blazers is my favorite. Portland went a little wild in free agency last season and it has significantly strapped them as they try to build around Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum. Evan Turner was a particularly bad signing by Portland. Turner is a ball dominant player who simply does not fit well with Lillard and McCollum.

Unfortunately, the Blazers still owe $53.6 million to Turner over the next three years. This is a contract that they would absolutely love to get out from under. The Bulls should be willing to take on Turner but should be targeting Noah Vonleh in any deal like this.

Vonleh was the ninth overall selection in the 2014 NBA draft. The 21-year-old Vonleh has had an up-and-down NBA career but he really showed some defensive upside last season. Vonleh is a long and athletic big man who shows the ability to switch onto smaller players. He also protects the rim relatively well and can rebound the basketball. Vonleh is not much of an offensive threat but he is a talented big man who would fit well next to Lauri Markkanen in the Bulls’ lineup.

The Chicago Bulls also acquire a lottery protected first-round pick for their troubles.

To make the salaries work, the Bulls send Robin Lopez to the Blazers. He is a bit of an odd fit for their roster, but Lopez is still a valuable player who is not under a terrible contract. I could see the Blazers looking to flip Lopez in this situation. But even if they can’t, he would be a valuable member of their rotation. Cameron Payne and Jerian Grant are also sent to Portland to make the salaries match.

I am sure the Bulls would hate to get rid of Payne so early, but he showed nothing last season. I see no reason why trading him away would stop them from doing this deal.

Vonleh and the first round pick would be significant rebuilding assets for the Bulls. Also, while Turner is under a bad contract, he is a strong player with the ball in his hands. Turner would be a fun player for fans to watch through this rebuild.

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