Greg Young: I believe the current Bulls team is quite fun and entertaining to watch. They are playing a fun brand of ball and I hope it continues. I wonder why it took a while to catch on; no it’s not Zach’s fault, but I am glad it caught. I think any trades will be minor unless they decide DeRozan won’t sign an extension. Maybe Drummond who would be perfect for a couple of teams, I don’t see LaVine going anywhere and I am OK with that.
Sam: Coby, Coby, Coby. If you’re not running a system like the Bulls triangle, you need someone to if you don’t want to call it a point guard, someone to, as the coaches like to say, organize things. I believe it inevitably will be the fatal flaw for teams like the Phoenix Suns. They basically need Kirk Hinrich, someone who can get everyone the ball in spots where they are best and not wear them down by them having to do it. Everyone knew, including the Bulls, they needed a point guard, so they dedicated that 2021 free agency to Lonzo Ball. DeRozan and Caruso, who have proved out more valuable, were after-thoughts. But then we know what happened with Lonzo after the Bulls shocked the (Eastern Conference) world. The truth was none of us believed anymore Coby could be a point guard, and neither did the Bulls. Coby was coming off shoulder surgery and Billy Donovan became infatuated with Ayo Dosunmu and made him point guard. And then the Bulls prioritized Jevon Carter, a point guard, in free agency last summer. We all assumed newbie Carter would start this season, so credit to Donovan for selecting Coby. And big credit to Coby with no indication he’d have a chance after not starting all last season and basically being told he was a sixth man shooter that he turned around his game, improved his handle, court vision, decision making, things that just don’t happen four years into your NBA career. Point guards are generally you are or you aren’t. And to be a point guard in this NBA era you have to be able to score off the dribble. Coby also improved in that after being categorized as a spot up sixth man shooter. His quickness with the dribble basically describes the game Donovan has wanted to play without anyone to direct it since Ball. None among DeRozan, LaVine or Vučević can. White also has proven reliably unselfish and, which is more difficult than it seems, able to know where teammates are even while at full speed beating his man. It’s generally believed you don’t learn that; somehow he did. The Bulls have a high character group of people; everyone likely always has been willing to play a faster, team-oriented game. But they couldn’t without someone to direct it. That Coby can shoot from the distance opens up the court even more for that game and is vital to why it’s working, and only LaVine could even approach that kind of play. He would at times, but it wasn’t natural. It seems to be for White, probably the Bulls MVP. I never saw it coming. And despite what they might say neither did they. But that’s also how you become a sports genius.
Martin Skelly: The Bulls and Zach seem keen to part ways. However it doesn't seem like many teams are making reasonable offers. As a starting point how does a Zach and Ben Simmons trade sound? Obviously the Nets have to add something, picks and/or players to interest the Bulls. Not sure the Nets have the necessary picks but would 2 firsts and Simmons be enough to get started?
Would be a bit of a gamble taking on Simmons but they did just hire a load of shooting coaches didn't they? Be a good chance to put them to the test! Also if Simmons did get back to his old self it could be just the player Donovan likes? If not there is only 2 years on his contract then could maybe trade him next year as an expiring?
Sam: Talk about going 360 as I’m back to the Simmons and Gordon Hayward type of offers. I’ve been someone who’s graded Simmons higher than most given his unusual size and playmaking abilities, and he has just one more season after this. So it would get the Bulls off some money. But Simmons would be an expensive reserve for the Bulls because you are no longer letting him run the offense, and there’s no indication he can with both longtime physical and relating issues in recent years that I doubt you want to take on. You also don’t get what he can give if you don’t entrust him with the ball. I know there’s often this better-without-Zach stuff, but he’s far more reliable and talented than Simmons, and especially with no future assurance with DeRozan, I don’t believe the Bulls should make a bad deal. Zach’s a high-character person and welcome teammate. He’s said he can play any style and showed it when he returned from his 17-game absence. Kobe Bryant was never playing for the Lakers again; until he was. Same with Hakeem Olajuwon and many others. Zach’s such a high-level talent to me that you better have a plan if you are going in that famous other direction.
Lia Sotto: I know we shouldn’t dwell too much on the past, but the Suns game was a heartbreaker. It was like the Bulls vs. Heat, 116 to 118. I thought we played exceptionally well — especially in the first half, but it was clear the energy shifted the last two quarters, starting with AC’s foul trouble. What really got me, though, was the bizarre call from the refs after DeMar’s jumper over Grayson Allen. I don’t see how that challenge was successful. I give our guys credit, though. Their bond is deep and I’ll always support this team regardless. I also miss Zach and Torrey on the court. We should’ve won the game.
Sam: There’s not much anyone can say in defiance since they took the time, reviewed the video and checked with the league headquarters. It seemed to everyone in the arena a surprise call. It’s also the reason I don’t believe sports needs replay and I’d rather be done with it and accept the occasional missed call in the everyone’s human category. But it seems beyond sports and in society we always have to blame someone for a mistake and always need to overreact to one slip up. You can’t prevent every mistake. What happens with replay is we have to get down to microscopic evidence instead of the obvious intent. Like when one guy flails and knocks a ball out of bounds and on the way it tips the hair on the edge of his hangnail. Off the hangnail guy! When the intent was obvious. It to me was a foul as much as DeMar has made a science of flopping. The Allen intent seemed clear. If you insist on replay, this is the occasional result. Also, it slows down the game unnecessarily. Basketball is a game of rhythm and movement. Do we really need a caucus during a ballet performance to see if someone made the wrong step?
Nellie Rose: OKC fan here. I’ve admired what the team has done over the years and applaud the Bulls for their incredibly resilient talent. Do you think people will ever get to see Billy Donovan and Monty Williams reunited? I know Monty is coaching the Pistons but I’ve read stories about their lifelong bond and friendship. I enjoyed watching them work together in OKC, even if it was for a short time. I think he would fit well with the Bulls staff.
Sam: If Monty would take a Bulls assistant salary instead of maybe the $12 million annually he supposedly makes as the highest paid basketball coach in which the team is paying him more than a $1 million per win this season I guess it’s possible. Though I suspect he and Billy maintain a texting relationally mostly.
John Steinmetz: Let’s go all in this year. We need a power forward and another three-point shooter. Could the Bulls trade rising players Ayo, Dalen Terry and Julian Phillips for a decent power forward and Luke Kennard? That’s a couple of trades. Couple that with a trade of DeRozan and Torrey Craig to a contender for a first round draft choice to replace one of the rising three youngsters. Zach can team with Coby. Kennard and Alex Caruso would be awesome backups at the SG and small forward positions. The Paw gets his small forward position. Terry Taylor and the new big share the power forward position. Taylor can play with Drummond. One down side is that this could lose the team chemistry that currently exists.
Sam: That’s a lot for this management team that doesn’t seem to operate that way. Kennard is the profile of that kind of shooter everyone wants, though defense sometimes keeps those guys off the floor. I assume with all the Memphis injuries they need to bring back this team for a run next season. Yes, we’ve often identified those two spots, an athletic four and catch-and-shoot backup as the fill-ins if you break up Zach/DeMar, move Patrick to three and the way Coby has really become a point guard. I doubt Terry and Phillips have gained any trade traction yet, but for now it seems like the Bulls are concentrating primarily on what to do with LaVine, and figure out the rest after they see how this season goes.
Cameron Watkins: The new rumor is the Bulls and Pistons talking about a LaVine trade. The story goes that the Bulls want one of the Pistons young recent draft picks and the Pistons don't want to give up any of those players. I get that as a starting point for the Bulls, but they can't think the Pistons would agree. It makes total sense that the Pistons do not want to give up any young core players given where they are as a team. If I were the Bulls, I would ask for Bogdanović and a future first. As far as I can tell, the Bulls have no desire to tank. Bogdanović helps them this year. They also get a future first that will help them in the long run and make up for the fact that they still owe a pick to the Spurs. The Pistons can handle Lavine's contract because all of their important players are on rookie deals and no free agents of note are going there anytime soon. The only reason I think this idea doesn't make sense is given the Pistons record, they probably would (continue to?) tank the rest of the season for draft purposes and then look at trades like this in the offseason. With LaVine's injuries leading up to the deadline, the Bulls should just announce they are no longer considering moving him during the season. The possibility of a trade hanging over the team can't help anyone. If some team comes up with a super offer before the deadline then "Hey, we changed our minds!" But as president/GM, I would mentally move on from the idea of an in-season trade at this point and I would tell the coaches and players that.
Sam: That makes sense, which means maybe just you and I agree. We all know by now the issue if they want to trade LaVine is three years after this averaging about $47 million per. If a team is taking that on they are saying this is the focus of our team. So I frankly doubt you get a first. I can see maybe Bogdanović and Isaiah Stewart for a salary match, and I’d do that if I were the Bulls even as much as I like LaVine more than most and believe in the right circumstances, like Justin Fields with the Bears, he can work really well. But we all know the Bears are going with the USC quarterback. Less downside risk, as well as financially. If the Bulls want to dip their toes into the playoff waters and maybe be a surprise, then something like Bogdanović and Stewart would be an upgrade for shooting and physicality. Then maybe you extend DeRozan and have something going for a few years with Coby, Williams and Dosunmu youth. My guess with the speculation isn’t so much the Bulls holding out for one of their recent lotto picks as the Pistons asking for more to take on the salary. Because even though the Pistons have the huge cap room this summer, Cunningham is closing in on an extension and they probably have their eyes on maybe a younger free agent since Zach turns 29 in March and their core is all a decade younger. Since the last three for the lottery get the same odds they probably could add Durant and not change finishing bottom three. So I’m off the continue tanking theory to do nothing. They have to begin to gain some credibility with their community after that losing streak. If the Bulls could get Bogdanović and Stewart, I’d be in given you are correct about the potential distraction with this hanging over everyone. If not move on, though I’d hate to pass up a chance to get something now for DeRozan if he’s not coming back.
Omar DeJesus: The way Coby is playing, and if the Bulls make no moves and Lonzo comes back, do you see Lonzo sitting or White? Or do you see a starting 5 of Lonzo, White, LaVine, DeRozan and Vooch?
Sam: I know there’s hope and optimism regarding Ball, and we all hope for at least his sake more than the Bulls that he can resume his career. But after missing at least two years and with multiple surgeries I cannot see any way that by next season he’d be in condition to become a starter again. The Bulls are fortunate the way White has developed his game, and now they have that point guard. Lonzo never was very good off the ball for the Pelicans, which was one reason they let him go without trying to get anything. It would be a coup for the Bulls, to me, if he could return next season and contribute something as a ninth or 10th man. I assume the Bulls have to be operating as if he won’t return, and then if he does it’s a bonus for everyone no matter what he can contribute.
Abe Rotbart: Let's keep it simple by keeping Zach, which makes the most sense at this point anyways. But, here's two easy trades that make lots of sense too.
1) Bulls get Bucks Connaughton for Carter and Drummond
2) Bulls get Warriors CP3 and Trace Jackson for DeRozan.
Bulls now have:
Vooch, Jackson, PWill, Zach, Coby as starters with CP3, Ayo, Craig, Connaughton, Terry, Philips off the bench.
Sam: It seems no matter what we might like it’s going to be like old time department store sale days worth two more weeks of Zach; everything must go, special offer, falling prices, shop early for Christmas, discounts galore. Didn’t the Bucks have Carter? I get the ideas, but I think the Warriors consider Trace Jackson-Davis part of their future; now if you want to take on four years of Draymond I think they’d be interested. And with Milwaukee, my guess is the Bucks would like you to take Middleton’s money in another of those paying a guy too much for what he did than what he will.
Larry Jurkens: I'm surprised they pulled the plug so quickly on Coach Griffin. If it's defense, which it could be since they've plummeted in D rating, the blame should go to management for trading Jrue Holiday, a tremendous defender, for Damian Lillard, who couldn't cover a piece of carpet.
Sam: There’s the old NBA saying that if you make a mistake blame the coach. Not that it was a mistake to acquire Lillard since Giannis likely required it to sign his extension, and more than playing for a championship getting Giannis to resign and extend was priority No. 1. Without him with that team it’s full rebuild. So they made their Faustian deal; every team would have. It’s like having LeBron. It always was clear if you took him, then you took the whole package, which meant he made your decisions and you took the blame for the ones that didn’t work. The tradeoff always was worth it. You’d always have a chance to win, and that’s all your fans really want. Since Griffin was fired I’ve read all this revisionist history about defensive weaknesses and he failed to foul on a three and all that stuff every coach does. Like David Blatt fired in Cleveland when LeBron had enough; of course we believe Giannis dictated this. It’s been generally agreed that he was influential in getting the Bucks to overlook Nick Nurse for his top assistant, Griffin. I’m not sure what went on internally as you never really know that. It was apparent Lillard was playing at half speed, which we generally attributed to realizing he wasn’t in Miami. And there was all this about no longer playing drop coverage on defense, which by the way was one reason Budenholzer was fired for ceding all those threes. Adrian just introduced the common NBA coverages the Bulls also play of trying to get your big man to hedge, help, trap and recover. Although they had lost their defensive edge, as you noted correctly, they traded it away to get the guy they needed to get Giannis to stay. So it was worth it. The record obviously was good enough to continue as Adrian was adjusting to the personnel changes (mistakes?) management made. Giannis says it wasn’t him. Of course, why would he? Star players usually get fingered, which is why Jordan was for Doug Collins. Though he didn’t. That was Jerry Krause and with Phil Jackson it worked out. As Tyronn Lue did with the Cavs. Management will fall on the the sword for Giannis. The coach always is the one who gets stuck. But no matter how much media and fans celebrate or damn the coach, it’s about the players. Which is OK with me; just step up and take responsibility, eh?
Mike Sutera: Speaking of Griffins, AJ hasn't played much since Snyder took over. I know Jalen Johnson has flourished but they definitely soured on AJ. I'd trade for him. Lord knows we could use some young talent.
Sam: I’ve wondered about Adrian’s son almost since that lob to beat the Bulls last year. He’s obviously out of the rotation even though he looked like he was going to be a player. The Hawks appear to be going into some sort of rebuild/retool/regurgitate. He could be a Markkanen type who blossoms just with some more love and affection, and playing time. Certainly worth the effort.
Frederick Ong: Zach LaVine is definitely still a desirable player. Problem is his trade value has taken a hit. And a GM who wants him might be afraid to touch him because of all this talk. I don't think Zach or Klutch Sports saw this coming. My heart bleeds for the Chicago Bulls with the loss of value of such a big asset. I say keep Zach for now. Maybe he realizes he is in a good place with the Chicago Bulls... Do you think it can still work out with Zach LaVine and the Bulls?
Sam: I think it could knowing Zach and that he really is a good team guy, likes and supports his teammates and has shown he’s willing to accept different roles to help the team. No James Harden here. And no one has done more for the Bulls publicly than Zach these last seven years being the guy who was there every day for the media and team when the team basically was trying to lose for draft picks and a better future; remember, as fans were clamoring for then. He stood up for the franchise and city as much as anyone in the last decade; though I know the public judges only on results. But it was hardly his fault, like Justin Fields’ (yes, I watch a lot of NFL) record when the team traded away everyone on defense capable of making a tackle and then developed an offense designed to run into fat guys and then demanded why did he have such a bad record! I believe Zach could, but you get the sense with this unending series of rumors (that have to come from somewhere) that a decision probably has been made. And then take it beyond sports. We know in basically any personal or business relationship when you know the other side isn’t in love with you anymore the inevitable becomes inevitable.
Randall Sanders: It was reported some time ago that Ball will start running for the 1st time in his recovery. How did that turn out?
Sam: Not too good. Billy Donovan said before the Lakers game Lonzo hasn’t started running yet as hoped. Donovan said Ball lately has been ill and hasn’t even been able to be around the team when they were in LA until game day when he sat on the bench. This sounds like it will be a slow and long process and I don’t believe you can put much substance into the updates yet if it’s still at this mostly non-activity stage.
Parker Lerdal: Will Kyle Lowry sign with the Bulls after the buyout for the Hornets?
Sam: We don’t know if there’s going to be a buyout, although everyone assumes there is. And under the new salary cap rules the places that seem most likely for him are not allowed, like Golden State Warriors, LA Clippers, Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, and Denver Nuggets. DeMar DeRozan long has said his former teammate in Toronto is his best friend. Though the Bulls have a good thing going at guard with Coby and Ayo and Jevon Carter. It doesn’t seem like you’d want to take minutes away from them, especially since Lowry misses a lot of games with a career worth of tough guy injuries; he’s been a heck of a competitor and leader. But if the Bulls get into that market you’d assume it should be for size or shooting. Or maybe if they move DeMar, but then I guess Lowry would be sad. And nobody wants that.
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