Toronto Raptors receive: G Lonzo Ball, F Patrick Williams, 2024 First-Round Pick (CHI), 2026 First-Round Pick (CHI), 2028 First-Round Pick (CHI) 

Chicago Bulls receive: F OG Anunoby 

In fact, both of these teams were expected to start rebuilding at this year’s trade deadline. They were among the most discussed teams in the NBA. 

The Bulls were supposed to send Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, or both to the Los Angeles Lakers. Otherwise, each was due for departure to the Dallas Mavericks. Instead, they stayed put. 

So did the Raptors. They could have traded any number of players on their team. Anunoby was a particularly popular candidate as a player who, in theory, should fit alongside anyone. 

Perhaps fans generally underestimate how seriously a team takes a decision to trade a great player. They won’t do it on a whim.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Chicago Bulls & Toronto Raptors Updates

Often, a front office would rather keep the talent they have and hope that they can turn it around. 

Should the Bulls make that same decision?