Chicago Bulls: 3 players worth trading up for

Marvelous Marvin

There is absolutely no chance Marvin Bagley III would be available for the Bulls at no. 7. In fact, there is virtually no shot he’s there at no. 4. Therefore, the only shot the Bulls have at landing perhaps the best player in the draft is by trading up to no. 3. Even then, it is still a longshot he’ll be available.

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If Bagley is the intended target, the Bulls will have to wait to see how the top two picks shake out before pulling the trigger. However, if they are in a position to go up and get Bagley (assuming they are intent on trading up) then they have to make it happen.

While Deandre Ayton is incredibly gifted offensively, he lacks the ability to stay on the floor since he’s unable to defend in space.

Bagley on the other hand, not only possesses a dynamic offensive skill set, but he’s a better defender as well. Therefore, he can stay on the floor without becoming a liability on the defensive end.

On the offensive end, he’s a machine. In college, he essentially scored at will. He averaged 21 points and 11 rebounds in the ACC. He shot 61 percent overall and nearly 40 percent from three-point range. Keep in mind he’s 6-foot-11, so shooting 40 percent from three is highly impressive.

Not only is he fundamentally sound, but he’s a phenomenal athlete. So while some may argue he lacks the size to defend at the center position, he has the athleticism to guard the four. Moreover, he would benefit greatly from a sound strength and conditioning program and could bulk up to the point he could guard the five too.

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Again, the likelihood that he’s available at No. 3 is small. But if he is and the Bulls have the opportunity to get him, then they have to pull the trigger. Pairing him with Lauri Markkanen and Kris Dunn would be thrilling to watch. If they keep Zach LaVine and he somehow finds an outside shot and can space the floor, he’ll be that much more dynamic.