Chicago Bulls: 3 storylines to watch on draft night

Trading Places

The most likely storyline to impact the Bulls draft plans is a trade. However, I’m not just referring to one which includes the Bulls as a party. There are a number of potential trade scenarios that would have a huge impact on their picks.

First, a team could leapfrog the Bulls and select a player that they covet. There has been a rumor in recent days that the Memphis Grizzlies have been shopping the No. 4 overall pick. The team is looking to clear significant cap space and is exploring other teams’ interest in a package that would include the no. 4 pick and Chandler Parsons.

One such team that could jump ahead of the Bulls is the New York Knicks. Interestingly, the Knicks come into this draft in a similar situation (in certain respects) to the Bulls. Both teams are building around young, versatile big men. Additionally, each team desperately needs a three-and-D wing. Finally, there have been reports that each may be looking to upgrade at the point guard position in the draft, perhaps by drafting Trae Young. As a result, keep an eye on the Knicks, as well as other teams, to go after that nno. 4 pick.

It is also a possibility that the Bulls are the team looking to trade up. Some have speculated that the Bulls would need to move up for Michael Porter, Jr. In addition, if they truly like Trae Young as much as some think, could they try to move up if they get the sense he might be off the board at no. 7? Personally, I don’t like the idea of moving up for either, but of the two, Porter is the preferred option.

Lastly, and most unlikely, is the possibility that the Bulls make a huge draft day deal to acquire Kawhi Leonard. Although a deal is highly unlikely, the Bulls certainly have the pieces to make an intriguing offer — especially with two first-round picks.

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Much of these conversations have taken and will continue to take place throughout the draft. Perhaps seeds have been sown and some type of deal is imminent. No one knows what will happen. However, what can be said with certainty is that any deal involving a team ahead of the Bulls will have a serious impact on their plans.