2 players Bulls must trade after front-office overhaul

The Bulls won’t have as many lead guards going forward as they had toward the end of the regular season. Ivey was already let go, and Simons and Sexton are unrestricted free agents. The team still has some roster imbalance, though, and that will especially be the case if either of Simons and Sexton are brought back.

Therefore, the Bulls should trade Jones for a frontcourt player, whether it be a center or a forward. Playmaking is Jones’ best attribute, but the Bulls are already loaded with passers, and they all have few players to actually facilitate to. The Bulls need centers to throw lobs and dump-offs to, and they need wings who can operate as slashers or in the catch-and-shoot.

With Giddey operating as Chicago’s franchise player as of now, the Bulls don’t need as many backup guards as they currently have. Giddey is expected to play 30-plus minutes per game going forward and operate as the primary ball-handler. Jones is under contract for another two seasons, so considering there isn’t a great long-term fit, there is even further incentive to move off his deal.

The Bulls need to shop Patrick Williams

There should be plenty of suitors for Jones, who is an unselfish player on a relatively team-friendly deal. Moving Patrick Williams might not be as easy, but the Bulls need to explore trades involving the former fourth overall pick nonetheless. Williams was a surprise pick when he was selected that high in 2020, but the huge contract the Bulls gave him was even more shocking. Williams will make $18 million a year in each of the next three seasons.

Considering the power forward only averaged seven points per game this season, that isn’t a deal that many teams will want on their books. Williams is mediocre around the board. His defense, jumpshot, and interior scoring have all left something to be desired. With the Bulls entering a new era, the last thing a new front office will want is to be glued to a player who they don’t like long-term.

Chicago likely wouldn’t get much in return for Williams, but they at least need to float his name out there and see what the market holds. At the worst, this could serve as motivation for the Florida State product to improve his game come next season.

At the end of the day, the Bulls roster is a ways away from contending, so in reality, they should be willing to trade just about anybody from their roster if it means adding draft capital. Matas Buzelis and Giddey are the only players the team should be trying to hold on to.