The Chicago Bulls find themselves under the intense scrutiny of NBA scouts following a lackluster start to the season. As reported by ESPN’s Brian Windhorst on NBA Today, teams across the league are closely monitoring the Bulls, sensing an imminent shakeup.
NBA Scouts Target Bulls Amidst Trade Rumors
“In talking to some people around the league, the scouts are jamming themselves into Bulls games because they realize that at some point, the Bulls may break this team up,” Windhorst revealed. “And they’re all gathering intelligence like, ‘What’s gonna happen with the Bulls?'”
Prime Targets: Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan
Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan emerge as prime targets for teams eyeing deals with Chicago. LaVine’s name surfaced in connection with the Philadelphia 76ers after the James Harden trade, while contract talks between DeRozan and the Bulls reportedly hit an impasse, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium. With DeRozan facing free agency after the season, the trade speculation gains momentum.
Overdue Restructuring?
Despite a belated consideration, the Bulls stand to gain significantly by potentially parting ways with key players like DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Nikola Vucevic. The franchise has lingered in mediocrity since 2018, making the postseason just once. Last year’s 40-42 record prompted calls for a rebuild, a notion DeRozan vehemently dismissed in September.
“I think a lot of people who say that or suggest that really don’t understand basketball at all, in my opinion,” DeRozan argued. “That route doesn’t necessarily always work in a timely fashion that you may think it will take.”
Brian Windhorst on the Chicago Bulls:
“In talking to some people around the league, the scouts are jamming themselves into Bulls games because they realize that at some point, the Bulls may break this team up,”
(via @ESPNNBA) pic.twitter.com/gWlYZBM2wL
— BasketballNews.com (@basketbllnews) November 11, 2023
Window of Opportunity Closing
With DeRozan and Vucevic aged 34 and 33, the Bulls risk diminishing returns on potential trades compared to previous seasons. LaVine, still a valuable asset at 28, provides a glimmer of hope for Chicago’s future. The two-time All-Star is averaging 22.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists amid the Bulls’ 3-6 start, currently placing them 12th in the Eastern Conference.
As the season progresses, and if the Bulls’ fortunes continue to decline, the looming trade deadline might usher in a new era for the Windy City’s basketball franchise.
