Chicago Bulls: 3 wild trade possibilities for 2020 NBA Draft
By Ryan Heckman
Trade No. 2
Another big-time move for the Bulls would be looking to set themselves up for a couple years down the road by taking on Blake Griffin’s salary in the immediate future. Griffin’s name has been whispered around the trade deadline in recent seasons, and if the Pistons want to rid themselves of that contract, they could take on Porter’s deal for just one year instead of paying Griffin for the next two.
In this trade, the Bulls end up paying Griffin for two seasons, but net an extra first-round pick in 2022 while swapping picks with Detroit this year. Moving down just three spots isn’t the end of the world, especially if they secure another first rounder in the deal.
Like taking on Love’s salary, this isn’t the prettiest move for the Bulls. But, if they are looking to build something special, this is a necessary trade. First off, if Griffin stays healthy, he is more than a viable starting power forward still. His last healthy season, just two years ago over the 2018-2019 campaign, Griffin averaged 24.5 points and 7.5 boards for Detroit.
The worst case scenario, here, is that Griffin doesn’t stay healthy and isn’t a mainstay in the lineup for two years, then entering free agency in 2022. But, the positive return no matter what, is the fact that the Bulls get an extra first-rounder in 2022. With Detroit being rumored to move Griffin at recent trade deadlines, this is a salary dump for them.
Porter’s contract is up after this season (assuming he takes his option) and then the Pistons save a whopping $38.9 million in 2021-2022 not having to pay Griffin.