Bulls named trade destination for seven-footer with concerning history

Imagn Images

Bulls named trade destination for seven-footer with concerning history

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Matthew Schmidt | Last updated May 22, 2026 1:39 PM ET

The Chicago Bulls absolutely need to add a big man this offseason, and preferably one that can protect the rim.

The Bulls ranked toward the bottom of the NBA in defense this past year, and much of that had to do with them not having anyone to anchor the back end. With Chicago having plenty of cap space and a couple of first-round picks this summer, it absolutely must rectify that problem.

But while many are focused on the Bulls owning the No. 4 overall selection in the NBA Draft (and understandably so), they also could potentially swing a trade or two to bolster their roster. Given how much new top executive Bryson Graham values length and defense, the path for Chicago seems obvious.

The Bulls will surely be scouring the market for a defensive-minded center in the coming months, and where they find it is anyone’s guess.

In the meantime, Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale has identified an intriguing — but risky — trade option for Chicago: Dallas Mavericks big man Dereck Lively II.

Chicago Bulls could trade for Dereck Lively II

Nov 14, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) looks on during an NBA Cup game between the Mavericks and the Clippers at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Lively has spent the first three years of his career with the Dallas Mavericks, but due to his checkered medical history, the Mavericks may be looking to move on.

“Finding a higher-upside swing in the middle should also be among Chicago’s long-term aims. Dereck Lively II would be an excellent flier,” Favale wrote. “The Dallas Mavericks may not be actively looking to move him, but his injury history could foist him into distressed-asset territory. Especially with his extension eligibility looming.”

The 22-year-old played in just seven games this past season, starting the year with a knee injury and then ending up sidelined for the entire campaign as a result of foot surgery. Since entering the league as a No. 12 overall pick in June 2023, Lively has appeared in a grand total of 98 contests.

Lively’s track record is obviously concerning, especially for a player headed toward restricted free agency after next season. When healthy, though, there is no question that he is an impactful player.

The Duke product — who stands 7-foot-1 — has logged 1.5 blocks over 22.9 minutes per game for his career, good for an average of 2.3 blocks per 36 minutes. He is also a fine rebounder, having registered 11 boards per 36 minutes to go along with a total rebound percentage of 16.6 percent.

Lively would absolutely represent a nice get for the Bulls, but again, his injury history should give Chicago pause.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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