The Chicago Bulls are in desperate need of young talent. Their current core is not going to get them over the hump, and while Arturas Karnisovas is intent on running it back with the same guys, that will only lead to the same middling result. Adding youth to the roster is the best way to ensure a brighter future in Chicago.
Luckily for the Bulls, there should be a lot of trades going down this summer. A lot of teams are getting ready to either rebuild or push forward and compete for a playoff spot. Even if the Bulls don’t want to completely rebuild, getting in on some of the trades in order to add young talent could be worth consideration.
So, this one is for Bleacher Nation’s Elias Schuster. When the reporting came out that the New Orleans Pelicans are interested in trading up to land Scoot Henderson, he tweeted, begging for them to send Dyson Daniels to the Bulls. Let’s mock up a trade that would do just that.
Dear Pelicans,
If you somehow draft Scoot, please send Dyson Daniels to Chicago.
Thanks,
Me— Elias Schuster (@Schuster_Elias) June 13, 2023
Mock trade sees Bulls cash in on Pelicans-Blazers trade for third pick: The trade
Here’s the full outline of a potential mock trade:
Bulls receive: Dyson Daniels, Second-round pick (via NOP)
Pelicans receive: #3 Pick in 2023 NBA Draft, Anfernee Simons, Jusuf Nurkic, Second-round pick (via CHI)
Trail Blazers receive: Brandon Ingram, Alex Caruso, Larry Nance Jr.
Mock trade sees Bulls cash in on Pelicans-Blazers trade for third pick: Pelicans perspective
For New Orleans, this trade would see them accomplish their goal of drafting Scoot Henderson, barring the Charlotte Hornets picking him at two.
With Henderson in town, trading Daniels could make sense, as they would have a glutton of guards on the roster, especially if they would also be acquiring Anfernee Simons in the trade.
Mock trade sees Bulls cash in on Pelicans-Blazers trade for third pick: Trail Blazers perspective
The Portland Trail Blazers would be able to put a great roster around Damian Lillard with this trade. Brandon Ingram is a perfect co-star, Alex Caruso is a great backcourt partner (who can cover up some of Lillard’s defensive shortcomings), and Larry Nance Jr. would fill in the gap at the big man position.
Mock trade sees Bulls cash in on Pelicans-Blazers trade for third pick: Bulls perspective
Lastly, this trade is all about getting younger for the Bulls, who desperately need an infusion of youth on their roster.
Daniels only averaged 17.7 minutes per game in his rookie season, but he’s oozing with potential. The 6-foot-8 combo guard has great size and can do a little bit of everything on the court.
And for a Bulls team seeking out a new answer at the point guard position, the 20-year-old could prove to be a very intriguing option.
