Report suggests Chicago Bulls could now acquire Paul Millsap

Chicago Bulls (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
Chicago Bulls (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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The Chicago Bulls have endured a bit of a rough stretch as of late, snapping a four-game losing streak just a couple of days ago. Still, they sit in first place in the Eastern Conference.

But, the team continues to battle adversity. Chicago has been without forward Patrick Williams for almost the entire season. In his place, Billy Donovan has tried a handful of players.

We have seen Javonte Green, Derrick Jones Jr. and even Alex Caruso start in Williams’ place at times. But, all three of these guys have been hurt — at the same time, too, for a few games. Green should be back soon, while Jones will be out a while. Caruso, though, is finally back.

With the Bulls also being down Lonzo Ball now for 4-6 weeks, and Zach LaVine for a few games, this team is hurting. Fortunately, one vested veteran could now be available to them if a new rumor is true. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Brooklyn Nets could find a new home for veteran forward Paul Millsap.

The Chicago Bulls should try to acquire Paul Millsap from the Brooklyn Nets.

This would be just one of a couple moves the Bulls could make to try and shore up their depth due to recent injuries. But, adding Millsap would be a near-perfect move for Chicago.

Millsap, 36, likely doesn’t have a whole lot of basketball left. But, he’s felt he can still contribute at a high level.

In Brooklyn this year, Millsap is playing a career-low 11.3 minutes. The impressive part is, he is posting 3.7 rebounds in those limited minutes. To put that in perspective, on a per-36-minute basis, he would be averaging a whopping 12 boards per game.

Millsap still has plenty left in the tank, especially for a team like the Bulls who, at full strength, are incredibly deep. Funny enough, Millsap was once a Bulls target. If the Bulls were fully healthy, Millsap would still be a key player off the bench and probably cut into Jones’ and Green’s minutes.

But, he might just be the right guy for the job. While he doesn’t offer much from three-point range, like Jones and Green have shown at times, Millsap provides that physical edge at the four position. And, Millsap isn’t a terrible outside shooter, either. He’s gotten it done from time to time.

Other teams like the Los Angeles Lakers or Golden State Warriors could offer up something along the lines of a second-round pick, but if the Nets don’t get much traction, Millsap could end up being bought out.

More. Bulls must sign one of these buyout candidates. light

If I’m the Bulls, offering a second rounder for Millsap wouldn’t be the worst idea. But, if the Nets ultimately bought him out, then the Bulls should really pounce.