The Chicago Bulls figured to be one of the most fascinating teams in the NBA this offseason, as they entered the summer with a pair of big free agents (DeMar DeRozan and Patrick Williams) and some intriguing trade targets for contenders (Zach LaVine and Alex Caruso). The expectation has been they will try to re-sign DeRozan and continue pushing for playoff contention. It was reported the main reason they didn’t trade Caruso before the deadline last year was a mandate from ownership to make a playoff push, turning down offers including multiple first round picks (with one including a top-10 pick from this year).
And then, on Thursday, word broke that the in a head-scratcher of a trade from Chicago’s perspective (and a home run from OKC’s). Adrian Wojnarowski painted the Bulls perspective on the trade as seeking out a playmaking guard to fill the void left by Lonzo Ball, who has missed more than two seasons with continued knee problems, very generously calling Giddey a player with “All-Star potential.” The former No.
6 overall pick is, unquestionably, a tremendous passer and playmaker for others. From that perspective, it’s understandable why they’d have interest. However, beyond that individual skillset being a need in Chicago, there’s not much about this trade that makes a lot of sense for the Bulls.
Giddey’s struggles in the playoffs certainly laid bare the areas in which he needs to improve. His defense was a liability, and his offensive skillset was too l.
