While they're clearly not a contending team yet, the Chicago Bulls enter the offseason in a privileged position. They have two first-round picks in a stacked draft class, a former first-round pick coming off a season-ending injury for his second year in the league, and enough financial flexibility to make virtually any trade.
That also makes them a perfect trade partner for teams looking to offload big contracts and/or work the draft board. That's why they should pick up the phone immediately if the Memphis Grizzlies try to send Ja Morant to the Windy City.
Bleacher Report analyst Grant Hughes put together a hypothetical trade package that would send Ja Morant and the No. 3 pick to Chicago in return for Patrick Williams, Jalen Smith, Rob Dillingham, and the No. 4 pick. That sounds too good to be true, but the Bulls shouldn't hesitate to take it.
The Bulls could fleece the Grizzlies with a Ja Morant deal
"Morant might not interest the Bulls at all, as they're just now beginning a proper rebuild. At the same time, maybe Chicago views the draft differently and believes there's a huge gap between No. 3 and No. 4. In that hypothetical, it's not so hard to imagine the Bulls taking on Morant and all his associated risk, particularly if it also gets them out of the Williams business," wrote Hughes.
This trade wouldn't even be about Ja Morant. He hasn't been as good since his back-to-back All-Star seasons two years ago, and there are major durability concerns, not to mention his demeanor and behavior off the court and apparent reluctance to be coached.
This shouldn't even be about the draft return, as the Bulls should feel fine with whoever is available for them at No. 4. Essentially, they can allow other teams to make their call for them, as both Caleb Wilsom and Cameron Boozer look like potential franchise players.
Instead, this would all be about the finances. The Bulls may finally get rid of Patrick Williams' terrible contract, all while helping Morant drive his trade value back up and potentially get more draft capital for him before the trade deadline.
Of course, if Morant happens to be healthy, committed, and wants to play in Chicago, that's great. There would be some spacing concerns next to Josh Giddey, who's not the most proficient three-point shooter. He may not be a good fit next to Morant, as he's another ball-dominant player with below-average defensive instincts.
That said, acquiring Morant would also allow the Bulls to explore the trade market for Giddey, whose value might be significantly higher right now. They might even be able to acquire a third first-round pick in this year's promising draft class.
Morant has outgrown his stay in Memphis, and that's pretty much the only reason the Grizzlies would even consider doing this. This would help them wipe the slate clean and rebuild around another franchise player, most likely Caleb Wilson.
The Bulls shouldn't be in the business of acquiring players with a questionable work ethic and a history of burning bridges in the locker room. Still, from an asset management and upside perspective, this would be a no-brainer.
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