The Chicago Bulls are a team that many people will keep their eye on in the next few weeks leading up to the NBA trade deadline. They are currently holding the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference, tied with another underachieving team in the Atlanta Hawks, with identical 20-24 records.
If the Bulls opt to shake things up and rebuild, they have some trade pieces that would fetch them strong assets. DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine would be who they receive the most calls in, but Nikola Vucevic, Coby White, and Alex Caruso could also bring back some value in a trade.
There is still a chance that the Bulls opt to be buyers and make a run in the second half of the season. When healthy, Chicago was among the best teams in the NBA last season. But, it is up for debate how healthy they will be able to get as point guard Lonzo Ball still has discomfort in his knee.
One player that would help the Bulls regardless of which path they opt to take is Deandre Ayton of the Phoenix Suns. Ayton was suggested as a potential trade target for the Bulls ahead of the deadline by Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report , and it is a move that could make sense for Chicago.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Chicago Bulls & Phoenix Suns Updates
Still only 25 years old, Ayton can be the centerpiece of a rebuild going into the future while helping the team remain competitive right now. He is having another solid season, averaging 17.3 points, 9.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.
Those numbers translate to the postseason when the intensity picks up as well. He earned extensive experience in the postseason the last two seasons with the Phoenix Suns and was an integral part of their success, showcasing his capabilities of anchoring a top defense.
The Suns have been in a tailspin with key players in Cam Johnson, Devin Booker, and Chris Paul missing so much time because of injuries this season. Looking to shake things up potentially, Ayton is someone that could be attainable ahead of the deadline, especially given how much tension arose during negotiations for his extension.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Deandre Ayton, Chicago Bulls & Phoenix Suns Updates
In the first year of a four-year, $133 million deal, the Bulls would have their center of the future if they were able to acquire Ayton, giving them a replacement for Vucevic who seems as good as gone this offseason in free agency.
