Right now, the Chicago Bulls don’t have a pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Their first-round pick was conveyed to the Orlando Magic at the NBA Draft Lottery, leaving them with no first-rounder. Meanwhile, the NBA stripped Chicago of their second-round pick, as they concluded the Bulls tampered when signing Lonzo Ball in 2021.
Considering the current state of the Bulls, they could really use a first-round pick to add a cost-controlled player to the roster. And while they don’t have a pick right now, they still have time to trade into the draft. It would be very smart for them to do so.
With just a couple of weeks left until the NBA Draft, here are five trades the Bulls could make to land a first-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
5 trades to land the Bulls a 2023 first-round pick: 20th pick, Houston Rockets
Bulls receive: 20th pick in 2023 NBA Draft, Kenyon Martin Jr., Future first-round pick (via BRK)
Rockets receive: Alex Caruso
It seems unlikely that the Bulls trade Alex Caruso, but this would be solid value coming back from a Houston Rockets team that will need reinforcements if they land James Harden.
Chicago could get the 20th pick to land a nice young prospect, as well as a future first. Plus, they would bring in Kenyon Martin Jr. for added forward depth, which they desperately need.
5 trades to land the Bulls a 2023 first-round pick: 15th pick, Atlanta Hawks
Bulls receive: 15th pick in 2023 NBA Draft, John Collins, Jalen Johnson
Hawks receive: DeMar DeRozan, Second-round pick
The Atlanta Hawks desperately need to fix their financial situation, and trading for DeRozan, who is heading into the final year of his deal, could be a great way to simultaneously do that and improve their starting five.
Meanwhile, the Bulls would get a top-15 pick and John Collins, who could slot in at the power forward, with Patrick Williams moving over to the three. Jalen Johnson would also serve as a nice young depth piece.
5 trades to land the Bulls a 2023 first-round pick: 10th pick, Dallas Mavericks
Bulls receive: 10th pick in 2023 NBA Draft, Tim Hardaway Jr., Davis Bertans, Future first-round pick (Lottery protected)
Mavericks receive: DeMar DeRozan, Derrick Jones Jr.
DeMar DeRozan is heading into the final year of his contract, but he could be a nice third star for the Dallas Mavericks as they look to compete for a title with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
For the Bulls, ditching DeRozan now would ensure they get value for him, and the 10th pick in the draft would be great compensation, even though they would have to take on two large contracts.
5 trades to land the Bulls a 2023 first-round pick: 6th pick, Orlando Magic
Bulls receive: 6th pick in 2023 NBA Draft, Jalen Suggs, Gary Harris, Jonathan Isaac
Magic receive: Zach LaVine
If the Orlando Magic feel ready to push for a playoff spot, this could be a perfect trade for them. Adding Zach LaVine to their current core would give them a huge boost. Plus, they also have the 1th pick, so they would have other draft capital to work with.
Chicago would get a new young point guard prospect, a nice wing defender, an intriguing defensive project to work with, and the sixth pick, with which they could draft a promising young talent.
5 trades to land the Bulls a 2023 first-round pick: 3rd pick, Portland Trail Blazers
Bulls receive: #3 pick in 2023 NBA Draft, Anfernee Simons, Second-round pick
Trail Blazers receive: Zach LaVine, Alex Caruso, Andre Drummond
This is a trade plenty of people have discussed, as the Portland Trail Blazers are looking to put a contending team around Damian Lillard.
Chicago is supposedly determined to compete with their current core, but this deal could be a great way for them to stay competitive and also begin a mini rebuild.
