As the 2024-25 NBA offseason heats up, the Chicago Bulls find themselves at a pivotal moment. After finishing the 2023-24 season with a 39-43 record, the Bulls secured the 9th seed in the Eastern Conference. Despite a valiant effort, they fell short in the play-in tournament, marking another year of unmet expectations.
The Bulls’ core, featuring Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vucevic, has shown flashes of brilliance but has also struggled with consistency and injury issues. The front office now faces the challenge of making the right moves to maximize the team’s potential. With limited cap space and a need to bolster both their defense and bench depth, the Bulls will need to get creative in the trade market. With DeMar DeRozan likely being re-signed in the offseason, the Bulls might be poised for a competitive shakeup.
Here are three mock trade ideas that could help the Bulls make a splash this summer and set them up for a successful campaign. These proposals aim to address the team’s weaknesses while also taking advantage of potential market opportunities.
1. A Paul George Blockbuster Move
Chicago Bulls receive: Paul George
Los Angeles Clippers receive: Zach LaVine, 2027 first-round pick
As the Chicago Bulls look to redefine their roster after a disappointing 2023-24 season, a potential blockbuster trade for Paul George from the Los Angeles Clippers could be the bold move they need. The Bulls ended the season with a 39-43 record, placing them 9th in the Eastern Conference and falling short in the play-in tournament. This result has prompted the front office to explore significant changes to push the team into true playoff contention.
Paul George, a seasoned veteran and one of the league’s premier two-way players, could be an ideal fit for the Bulls. At 34 years old, George still has plenty left in the tank, averaging 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game in the 2023-24 season. His defensive acumen, with 1.4 steals per game and a reputation as a lockdown defender, would address a critical need for the Bulls. George holds a player option for the 2024-25 season worth $48.8 million, making him potentially available this summer if he chooses to opt out and seek a new contract.
On the other side of the trade, Zach LaVine would be moving to the Clippers. LaVine, at 29 years old, represents a younger, high-flying scorer who can invigorate the Clippers’ roster. LaVine posted solid numbers last season, averaging 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. His contract, which extends through the 2026-27 season, would provide the Clippers with a stable cornerstone around which to build. Additionally, the inclusion of a 2027 first-round pick gives the Clippers a valuable asset for future development or potential trades.
From the Bulls’ perspective, acquiring George means adding a player who not only brings elite scoring and defensive skills but also invaluable playoff experience. George’s presence could elevate the team’s performance on both ends of the court, providing a reliable option to close out games and mentor younger players. His versatility allows him to play multiple positions, offering Chicago more flexibility in their lineups.
For the Clippers, this trade represents an opportunity to pivot towards a younger core. LaVine’s explosive athleticism and scoring ability can help maintain their competitive edge in the Western Conference. Moreover, the future first-round pick adds a strategic asset that could either be used to draft a promising young talent or as a trade chip to acquire another significant piece down the line.
2. Trading For The Blazers Duo
Chicago Bulls receive: Deandre Ayton, Jerami Grant
Portland Trail Blazers receive: Patrick Williams, Nikola Vucevic, Ayo Dosunmu, 2028 first-round pick
The Chicago Bulls are exploring ways to revamp their roster after a disappointing 39-43 season. One intriguing option is trading for Deandre Ayton and Jerami Grant from the Portland Trail Blazers. This trade would significantly shake up both teams and address several needs for the Bulls.
Deandre Ayton, the 7-foot center, has established himself as a reliable double-double machine. In the 2023-24 season, Ayton averaged 16.7 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game over 55 games. Ayton is under contract through the 2025-26 season, with a salary of $34 million for the 2024-25 season. His presence in the paint would provide the Bulls with a dominant interior defender and a consistent scoring option down low.
Jerami Grant, known for his scoring and defensive versatility, also had a productive season with the Blazers. He averaged 21.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game over 54 games. Grant’s ability to play both forward positions and guard multiple positions on defense makes him a valuable asset. He is signed through the 2025-26 season, ensuring the Bulls would have him for at least two more seasons.
In return, the Blazers would receive a package centered around Nikola Vucevic, Patrick Williams, and Ayo Dosunmu. Vucevic, the veteran center, brings a wealth of experience and a solid inside-out game. Last season, he averaged 18.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists over 76 games. His scoring ability and rebounding prowess would be a welcome addition to the Blazers’ frontcourt.
Patrick Williams, a young forward, has shown flashes of potential. He averaged 10.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 43 games during the 2023-24 season. Williams’ defensive capabilities and room for growth make him an appealing prospect for Portland. Ayo Dosunmu, another promising young player, averaged 12.2 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.8 rebounds in 76 games. His versatility and ability to contribute both as a starter and off the bench would add depth to the Blazers’ backcourt.
For the Bulls, acquiring Ayton and Grant would significantly enhance their frontcourt. Ayton’s size and skill set would solidify their defense and rebounding, while Grant’s scoring and defensive versatility would provide a much-needed boost on both ends of the floor. This duo would complement the Bulls’ core of Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, creating a more balanced and competitive team.
For the Blazers, this trade represents an opportunity to retool around Damian Lillard with experienced players like Vucevic while adding young talents like Williams and Dosunmu. The future first-round pick also offers potential long-term benefits.
3. An Underrated Move With The Pelicans
Chicago Bulls receive: CJ McCollum, Jose Alvarado, 2026 first-round pick
New Orleans Pelicans receive: Zach LaVine, Coby White
The Chicago Bulls, looking to retool their roster, could benefit significantly from trading Zach LaVine and Coby White to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for CJ McCollum, Jose Alvarado, and a 2026 first-round pick.
CJ McCollum has been a consistent performer for the Pelicans, known for his scoring ability and playmaking skills. In the 2023-24 season, McCollum averaged 20.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. His experience and leadership would bring stability to the Bulls’ backcourt, complementing the team’s existing talent. McCollum’s ability to handle the ball and score in clutch situations makes him a valuable addition to the Bulls.
Jose Alvarado has made a name for himself with his defensive prowess and energy off the bench. Averaging 7.1 points, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per game last season, Alvarado is known for his ability to disrupt opposing offenses and provide a spark with his tenacious defense. His presence would bolster the Bulls’ perimeter defense and add depth to their guard rotation.
In return, the Pelicans would acquire Zach LaVine. His athleticism and scoring ability would provide the Pelicans with a reliable offensive option alongside Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. His capacity to create his own shot and contribute in clutch moments would be a significant asset for New Orleans.
Coby White, a versatile guard, averaged 19.1 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.5 rebounds in 79 games last season. White’s ability to play both guard positions and his potential for growth make him an attractive piece for the Pelicans. His shooting and playmaking skills would add depth to the Pelicans’ backcourt, giving them more flexibility and offensive options.
This trade would address the immediate needs of both teams. The Bulls would gain experienced backcourt players and defensive intensity, while the Pelicans would add scoring talent and youthful potential, positioning both franchises for success in the upcoming seasons.
