The Chicago Bulls are one of the few teams that may be the most intriguing this trade deadline. They could be in a bunch of different deals, targeting the future instead of just this upcoming season. The trade deadline is rapidly approaching, and there could be some surprise names dealt. Let’s take a closer look at one player Chicago could be interested in that will not be on the court for the remainder of the season.
The Chicago Bulls could target Dereck Lively II this trade deadline
Dan Favale, a writer for Bleacher Report, wrote an article discussing potential trade targets for each team. He would mention how the Bulls could be targetting Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II. Below is the snippet from the article where they mention the Bulls possibly trading for the former 12th-overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft:
“Dereck Lively II is out for the rest of the season following right foot surgery and has an encyclopedic list of injury concerns. If they’re thinking rationally, the Bulls don’t have to concern themselves with this year. Lively can be someone they evaluate against the future next season, ahead of restricted free agency. Perhaps the Dallas Mavericks consider offers built around shedding long-term payroll.”
Lively underwent season-ending surgery on his right foot to address lingering discomfort last month. Injuries have plagued the big-man throughout his young career, playing in just 98 of 185 potential regular season games. He has averaged 8.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game throughout his career.
This move by Chicago would be hoping the 7-foot-1 center could get healthy and be a factor next season. It also may not cost too much in terms of trade capital for the Bulls as the Mavericks may just want to go a different direction. Lively has a club option for the 2026-27 season for $7.2 million and would be a restricted free agent following that. It will be interesting to see if Dallas wants to shed some future payroll and Chicago wants to find a center to replace Nikola Vucevic after this season.
Chicago Bulls could trade away this player ahead of the NBA trade deadline
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