Nothing has been able to slow down the Chicago Bulls thus far this season. They have had to navigate multiple injuries and faced one of the worst COVID-19 outbreaks in the NBA, resulting in multiple postponements, yet have powered through it all.
The Bulls are currently in first place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 25-10. Some people thought they could make strides this season, but even the most optimistic of Bulls’ backers likely didn’t expect to see them atop the standings this far into the season.
While their offseason acquisitions were lamented by some, questioning how they would all fit together, Billy Donovan has done a wonderful job making it work. Now, the focus will once again turn to the front office to see if they have any more aces up their sleeve.
If there is one issue Chicago faces it is depth, specifically at the power forward position. Patrick Williams, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, was expected to hold down that role but injured his wrist in the fifth game of the season.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Two Intriguing Players Linked As Trade Targets For Chicago Bulls
He was given a 4-6 month timetable to return and isn’t expected back in the regular season. But, could he still help the team?
If the front office was willing to include Williams in trade negotiations, they could likely be major players before the deadline. Chicago will assuredly be buyers, but given the transactions they have made in the last calendar year, they are left short on assets. Including the former Florida State product would change that, as explained by John Hollinger of The Athletic.
Chicago also has another tantalizing possibility in its hip pocket: Patrick Williams. The fourth pick in the 2020 draft is out for the season with a wrist injury, but he could be the icing on a trade sundae for the right player. Would the Bulls consider dealing him in a Harrison Barnes package, for instance? What about for Detroit’s Jerami Grant? A Grant-for-Williams (and, um, Jones and Brown) swap has to at least get Detroit’s attention, right? That might be one of my favorite fake trades right now.
The Bulls are legitimate contenders this season. Their window to compete is right now with a 32-year old DeMar DeRozan and 31-year old Nikola Vucevic making up their core along with 26-year old Zach LaVine.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Two Intriguing Players Linked As Trade Targets For Chicago Bulls
Williams could turn into a great player down the road, but that doesn’t help the Bulls now. They haven’t been in a position like this since Derrick Rose was winning the MVP.
Parting ways with someone who was expected to be a foundational piece for years to come is never easy, but when you have a chance to upgrade the roster to truly compete for an NBA Championship, you do it. No one knows what the future will hold, but right now, the Bulls have a real shot at representing the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals.
