Jabari Parker
You knew I would mention Jabari Parker, right? How could I not? Next in line of circus storylines for this year’s Bulls team is the odd falling out of Parker and his hometown team. For whatever reason, Parker was removed from the rotation shortly after Boylen took over as head coach.
Regardless of your opinion on Parker (or Boylen, for that matter), the reality is this: The decision has been made, and it is time to move forward. Parker will no longer be a Bull following this year’s trade deadline, and he might even find a new team sooner than February. We’ll see just how quickly they try to deal him.
Jabari Parker is trade eligible as of today. According to a source, “several teams” have called Bulls about Parker. Both Bulls and Parker are amenable to deal.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) December 15, 2018
The good news, here, is that there are several teams interested. This means the Bulls should — should — get a decent return for his services. Sure, his contract is technically only a one-year deal with a team option for next summer. But, if he plays well for the remainder of the season on his new team, that second year may end up looking enticing to said team.
Could the Bulls somehow swing a first-round pick in a deal for Parker? That would be the biggest win, yet, in terms of the guys we’ve talked about the Bulls trading thus far. Somehow, some way, there might be a team out there willing to overpay for Parker based on his offensive skillset and the fact he’s been healthy this year.
Whether it’s Holiday, Payne or Parker — or a combination of them — the Bulls will undoubtedly make a move before this year’s deadline. Who will it be? What will the return look like? Is it sad that, as a fan, this is what I’m looking forward to at this stage in the season?