The Chicago Bulls are watching the Orlando bubble play out from home. After another subpar season, they failed to earn themselves an invite to the restart.
It is likely that they’ve turned their attention to this offseason, where a number of scenarios could play out that might finally turn things around. Their biggest target? Chicago native Anthony Davis, who has yet to make any long term commitment to the Lakers or any other team.
While it looks like the Purple and Gold are in a strong position to re-sign their guy, Preston Ellis of Bleacher Report gave the Bulls a strong chance to lure him in if he does decide to change scenes.
“Should Los Angeles experience an early playoff dismissal or should LeBron suffer a significant injury, Chicago would likely emerge as a favorite to land his services. While the Bulls are unlikely to be a cap-rich team, moving him in a sign-and-trade would be quite easy. Packaging Otto Porter Jr. and draft capital would work. If the Lakers wanted more, there’s a litany of young talent Chicago may be willing to part with in order to get Davis on their books.”
Besides having “home-town team” advantage, the Bulls can offer Davis a partnership with the young and vibrant Zach LaVine, the chance to truly “own” his own franchise in a big market, and the opportunity to play in the (weaker) Eastern Conference.
Even as currently constructed, one has to think the Bulls would be a guaranteed playoff team with AD on board. We saw how he led the Pelicans and we are seeing the impact he is making with the Lakers this season.
But for the Bulls to really have a chance, the something has got to give in L.A — whether it’s LeBron’s health or a devastating finish in this postseason. Whatever the case, you can bet the Bulls organization will be waiting and watching, the entire time.
