Do Chicago Bulls need to trade up in 2018 NBA Draft?

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Michael Porter Jr. could be the prize

But you want to know who could still be in play for the Chicago Bulls if they’re able to swing a deal to trade up?

Michael Porter Jr.

Yes, I know we’ve talked this to death as Bulls fans. And of course, it seems like the more we talk about the possibility of drafting him, the less likely it seems that will actually happen. In any case, I severely doubt it will happen if the Bulls stayed at No. 7.

I mean, there would have to be some fairly significant red flags for him to fall that low at his size and with his skill level. Stranger things have happened, but that’s even a bit much.

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However, what about trading the No. 22 pick and packaging a few players to move up to No. 5, if the Dallas Mavericks were willing to bite? Some have suggested that Mo Bamba could be the Mavs’ pick at that spot, especially if they’re not sold on Porter’s health.

If the Mavs wanted Bamba and thought the Orlando Magic might go for Trae Young or another guard, could the Bulls convince them that they could still get their guy if they slide down a few spots? Whether or not it happens is one thing, but I think the Bulls absolutely have to make that inquiry.

As for me, I’d take the potential and fit of Porter Jr. with this roster over Bamba easily. The health is a risk, of course, but the payoff could be huge. It all depends on the Bulls’ willingness to go all in.

Next: Five offseason questions for the Chicago Bulls

And if they were able to swing that move, even if it meant they didn’t have much else in the way of picks in the 2018 NBA Draft, they could get that superstar they really need to make noise in the Eastern Conference sooner rather than later.

Sometimes, you have to give to get.

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