Chicago Bulls Receive: G Lonzo Ball (via sign-and-trade), G Eric Bledsoe
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: F Lauri Markkanen (via sign-and-trade), F/C Thaddeus Young, CHI 2024 2nd Round Pick
Chicago needs backcourt help, so they would be getting Lonzo Ball and Eric Bledsoe and New Orleans needs some frontcourt help, so they get Lauri Markkanen and Thaddeus Young. Lonzo Ball is going to be one of the most sought after free agents on the market this year and as a result, the Pelicans may have to prepare to part ways with him.
READ MORE: NBA Rumors: This Celtics-Grizzlies offseason trade gives Boston some much needed frontcourt help
Given how weak NBA free agency is going to be this year, Lonzo Ball is going to be one of the highest paid players this summer, which is why a team like the Bulls could look to pursue him. They need a real floor general at the point guard position and with Lauri Markkanen’s future uncertain, this would be a great opportunity to do a swap with the Pelicans between young talents.
Markkanen has been really solid in four years with the Bulls, but after getting Nikola Vucevic, the Bulls do not necessarily have a need for the Finnish big man anymore. Lonzo Ball and Eric Bledsoe could definitely be utilized more in rotations for Chicago than Markkanen, which is why this is something that could interest them.
READ MORE: NBA Rumors: This Hornets-Raptors offseason trade is centered on Pascal Siakam
Giving up two guards with experience may not seem useful for the Pelicans, but they do have some young talents in Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Kira Lewis who are the future of this team moving forward.
Zion Williamson cannot do everything in the frontcourt by himself and with Steven Adams not being really effective either, adding Lauri Markkanen and Thad Young to beef up their frontcourt could definitely be something of interest to the Pelicans.
There is definitely value to be had in this trade for both sides, but is this something that is really feasible this offseason? Let’s dive in and take a look at if this trade truly makes sense for both the Bulls and the Pelicans.
