The Chicago Bulls are experiencing a major metamorphosis following the end of yet another disappointing season. It all started with the firing of their head coach Jim Boylen, who was extremely unpopular with the players.
Shortly thereafter, they dismissed their long-time GM, Gar Forman, who had failed to put together a good product in the 10 years he had been with the team.
Needless to say, changes are afoot in Chicago and we can expect many more faces to go through the revolving door in the weeks and months to come.
In fact, according to Bleacher Report‘s Zach Buckley, not even the Bulls’ stars may be safe. Here’s the trade idea he posted in a recent article:
The Trade: Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen to Timberwolves for James Johnson, Jarrett Culver and No. 1 pick
If the Bulls want a fresh start—they’re already making a coaching change—this could be the offseason to initiate it. Chicago already owns the No. 4 pick, and this trade would be its ticket to No. 1, too. The Bulls then collect Culver, last summer’s No. 6 pick, to slot alongside 20-year-old Coby White and 21-year-old Wendell Carter Jr. and potentially comprise the Association’s youngest starting five.
Essentially the deal would clear the books for Chicago while landing them the chance to select their own guy with the no.1 pick — a guy like Anthony Edwards, who is a promising guard from Memphis that is drawing comparisons to James Harden. Sending their current guys packing would be several steps backward for the franchise, but it might also be necessary if they really want a clean slate.
For the Timberwolves, the pairing of D’Angelo Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns already puts them on the Western Conference map of rising threats. The return of Zach LaVine (with Markkanen) would only further validate their claim as upcoming title contenders. He may very well be worth the price of that top pick.
This past season, the 25-year-old star averaged 25.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists on 45% shooting.
