The Chicago Bulls’ terrific performance in December may have dulled the calls for a roster reset, but this squad’s ceiling is low and far from title contention. While the team is ready to part with All-Star Zach LaVine, it appears it’s not for a package that will let them start anew.
According to a report by HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, "The Bulls are currently valuing players who can help them win and a potential draft pick, depending on the incoming player(s), over tearing down the roster completely and rebuilding by taking expiring contracts and more draft picks."
To that end, here are two players the Bulls would do well to target at the trade deadline:
Tyus Jones
Now free from the shadow of Memphis’ starting point guard Ja Morant, Tyus Jones is having a career year with the Washington Wizards, averaging 12.6 points on 53 percent shooting and 5.5 assists per game. However, the Wizards are rumored to be open to trading away their starting point guard if it means acquiring high draft picks or a young player with plenty of potential.
“A pass-first point guard like Jones might connect this roster the way Lonzo Ball once did,” Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report wrote.
Ziaire Williams
With Chicago’s core of LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vucevic all in their 30s, Chicago needs young players who can help usher in a new era of Bulls basketball. The Grizzlies’ Ziaire Williams may fit that bill. Only 22 years old, the 6-foot-9 forward possesses a unique combination of size, athleticism, and shooting ability.
However, Williams has yet to put it all together, as this season, he’s only averaging 7.3 points on 38 percent shooting. And with Morant back for the Grizzlies, Williams’ usage rate figures to plummet. Perhaps a fresh start in the Windy City would be the perfect opportunity for Williams to tap into his potential.
“Williams, meanwhile, represents the kind of low-cost flier this franchise should be taking if it ever leans into a youth movement,” Buckley added.
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