This past season, the Chicago Bulls took a step back. After snapping a four-year playoff drought in the 2021-22 season, Chicago was eliminated in the Play-In Tournament this past year. Now more than ever, it’s clear that the Bulls are destined for mediocrity. This group just doesn’t seem good enough to win a title.
However, Arturas Karnisovas is determined to keep the current core together, though it may not be the smartest decision. For the sake of the franchise’s future, the Bulls could be better off hitting the reset button, but that doesn’t seem likely. However, if they do decide to rebuild, Elias Schuster of Bleacher Nation thinks the New York Knicks could come calling.
Schuster noted New York’s large draft cabinet as a primary reason for their potential interest and how the Bulls are deprived of picks at the moment.
“In any trade that includes Zach LaVine or DeMar DeRozan, the pick-deprived Bulls are going to be looking for draft capital in return,” Schuster wrote. “The Knicks can easily help fill that hole. Likewise, they have some truly intriguing young talent that they can package alongside these draft assets.”
In addition, Schuster mentioned RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley as potential pieces that could interest Chicago and/or highlight a trade package.
“RJ Barrett remains just 22 years old and is fresh off a decent playoff run in which he was averaging 19.3 points per game,” Schuster wrote. “While he’s still struggled to score efficiently at times, he’s still a developing player with an encouraging two-way skillset. All in all, he’s the type of young guy you happily accept in a return package for a veteran All-Star.
“Immanuel Quickley is another name who has taken strides each season of his career. He is fresh off averaging a career-high 14.9 points per game to go along with 3.4 assists and a 37.0 percent shooting effort behind the arc. For much of the year, the 23 years old was legitimately in the Sixth Man of the Year conversation.”
Should the Bulls consider a deal with the Knicks this summer?
