The Chicago Bulls were one of the biggest winners at the NBA Trade Deadline. They were able to pry All-Star Nikola Vucevic from the Orlando Magic and it didn’t cost nearly as much as people thought that it would. Now, they need a long-term answer at the point guard position with Lonzo Ball being their primary target, but Dennis Schroder could be a potential option as well.
Adding Vucevic to their own All-Star Zach LaVine has given the Bulls a solid foundation to build around. They will push for the playoffs this year and be in a great position to make some noise in the Eastern Conference next season as well.
While Vucevic was a big addition, the Bulls weren’t resting on their laurels after acquiring him. They continued working the phones, hoping to land Ball from the New Orleans Pelicans.
While they were unable to land Ball at the trade deadline, they will undoubtedly try again in the offseason when he is a restricted free agent. If they are unable to land him, they have a contingency plan in place at point guard.
According to Evan Massey of NBA Analysis Network, the Bulls are a team to keep an eye on regarding Los Angeles Lakers point guard Dennis Schroder. He is likely a backup plan should they strike out on acquiring Ball.
Schroeder recently turned down a four-year, $84 million extension offer from the Lakers. Schroder knows the Lakers are in a tough spot when it comes to the salary, so he will probably hold out for as much as possible from them. One thing is clear; he is looking to cash in as a free agent this summer.
While Schroder isn’t the defender or playmaker that Ball is, he would give the Bulls a legitimate third-scoring option behind LaVine and Vucevic. At that kind of money, Schroder would likely be the starting point guard, but he has shown he can be very productive as a sixth man off the bench.
It is smart for Chicago to have contingency plans in place as there is no guarantee they can land Ball. The New York Knicks are also going to be heavily involved for him, and as a restricted free agent, the Pelicans have the right to match any offer sheet that he signs.
The Bulls are serious about retooling their roster to become contenders in the Eastern Conference. Schroder will help them accomplish that if they cannot acquire Ball this upcoming summer.
