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Chicago Bulls Rumors: Potential trade packages for Dennis Smith Jr.

By Jason Kinander

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 13: Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 13, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Mavericks 99-89. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 13: Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 13, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Mavericks 99-89. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Chicago Bulls, Dennis Smith Jr.
Chicago Bulls (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Dunn and Bobby Portis for Smith Jr

We already talked about the fact that the Mavericks need a point guard in any form to fill the void of Smith Jr in wake of Barea’s injury. That is covered in this deal.

Now, the other pieces. Headlining the rest of the package is Bobby Portis. Portis is a great defender and post scorer, and is in the last year of his contract before he becomes a restricted free agent.

Since Portis will be an RFA, his value isn’t diminished in trade talks. Additionally, Portis perfectly caters to the Mavericks two biggest needs; defense and post scoring.

https://twitter.com/chicagobulls/status/1050181110485868544

Dirk Nowitzki isn’t going to be around forever. In fact, he hasn’t really done much of anything in what should be his last season. While Dirk had been on a downward trend for a while, the Mavs still have a void in the post when it comes to scoring. Portis is a great fit to fix that, as his scoring both in and out of the paint should lift the Mavs into a more versatile offense.

Now, about that first rounder. Portis is much, much more valuable than Hutchison, at least for right now. If Portis is in this deal, the Bulls first round pick would be of a much lesser variety.

In this deal, the pick would be a 2020 first round pick, and it would be lottery protected. So if the Bulls make the playoffs next season, then the Mavericks get the pick. If not, then they keep the pick. It is a fairly low-risk scenario for the Bulls, while it still fits the Mavericks desired trade package, by including a first round pick of any kind.

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