Tony Snell – Portland Trail Blazers
Moving to the more affordable side of things, the Chicago Bulls are very close to the tax line for the season, which is why a trade target like Tony Snell is more feasible and believable for this team. Snell signed with the Portland Trail Blazers this past offseason, but he could absolutely be available seeing as he is on a minimum contract.
Portland has a lot of work to do if they are to be real contenders in the Western Conference and right now, Tony Snell does not appear to be a part of their winning formula. He has played in just 14 games this season and is averaging only 9 minutes per game, which is very weird seeing as he was one of the best three-point shooters last season.
In 47 games with the Atlanta Hawks last year, Tony Snell only averaged about 21 minutes per game and finished the year shooting 62-109 (56.9%) from three-point range. This was by-far the best three-point shooting percentage out of anybody in the league and he became the first player in NBA history (minimum 100 attempts) to shoot at least 50% from the floor, 50% from three-point range and 100% from the free-throw line.
Granted these numbers are a little inflated because of the small sample size, but Tony Snell has proven to be a fantastic role player on the wing throughout his career. Portland obviously does not want to play him, which is why Chicago should swoop in and snatch him at a very low price.
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The now 30-year-old began his career in Chicago and spent three years with the Bulls, averaging 5.3 points, 2.3 rebounds and shooting 35.1% from three-point range. Bringing back a fan-favorite and someone they can rely on to be a perimeter threat is highly advantageous to the Bulls, which is why this move makes sense.
This is essentially a no-risk, high-reward play and the worst thing that happens is that Snell barely plays and does not shoot well. At the cost of a second-round pick, this is a risk the Bulls should be willing to take for Tony Snell.
Verdict: Pursue
