There are certain questions that every team in the NBA has to ask themselves. They need to ask themselves how close they are to winning an NBA title. Then, they need to ask themselves whether they care.
The Chicago Bulls are not close to winning an NBA title. That’s an easy answer. Do they care? That’s a different question. Sometimes, an organization decides to stay competitive and make a run for the playoffs simply. The Bulls feel like a candidate to make exactly that type of decision.
The Portland Trail Blazers do not. This team asked itself that question recently and gave a conclusive answer. By trading Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks, they gave up on any title aspirations they may have had. Yet, the Blazers still have some useful veterans left on this roster that they ought to move throughout the year. Could they send Malcolm Brogdon to the Bulls?
The Trade Proposal
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: G Lonzo Ball, 2028 Second-Round Pick (CHI), 2029 Second-Round Pick (CHI), 2030 Second-Round Pick (CHI)
Chicago Bulls Receive: G Malcolm Brogdon
Why wouldn’t the Bulls care about a title? This team invested a lot in a team that nobody thought had a championship ceiling. After years of mediocrity, the Bulls simply put a competitive team together. Unfortunately, even that hasn’t gone according to plan.
Partly, that’s been out of the Bulls’ control. Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vucevic are all dynamic offensive players. All the Bulls needed was a strong point guard to organize the offense, and they should have been able to put up points. That point guard has been dealing with some drastic injuries as it happened.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Malcolm Brogdon, Chicago Bulls & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
We’re talking about Ball. At this point, his NBA future is unclear. Ball has vowed to play NBA basketball again. Here’s hoping he can make good on that promise. When he’s healthy, Ball is a joy to watch. Could the Bulls move on from him?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
Ball may play NBA basketball again. It doesn’t feel likely that it’s going to happen in Chicago. If the Bulls want to stay competitive, they’ll probably have to move his contract for a productive player. If they’re rebuilding, they may prefer to flip him for a younger player or some draft capital if possible.
Here, we’ve got them opting to stay competitive. Brogdon is not a perfect replacement for Ball. He doesn’t have the same type of floor vision as Ball does. He’s not as creative of a passer. At the same time, he may be a more dynamic scorer in half-court sets.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Malcolm Brogdon, Chicago Bulls & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Otherwise, he’s a replacement. Like Ball, Brogdon is an outstanding floor spacer and a good defender. Brogdon is a solid game manager as well. This is the type of player that the Bulls will need if they’re hoping to bounce back from a disappointing 2022-23 season. Should the Blazers give him up?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
Yet, the Blazers aren’t likely to covet Ball either. That’s not a knock on his talent. The Blazers have too much talent in the backcourt. Scoot Henderson is their point guard of the future and, in all likelihood, their franchise player. Meanwhile, Portland must decide whether to shift Shaedon Sharpe to the three or move Anfernee Simons.
Largely, the Blazers do this deal for the draft capital. They should move Brogdon for as much of it as they can find. If someone wants to offer a first-round pick – even if protected – for Brogdon, they should accept that deal. It may not happen. Brogdon has well-documented injury concerns. Any team acquiring him is taking a risk.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Malcolm Brogdon, Chicago Bulls & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
So, they’re accepting three second-round picks here. We saw teams use second-rounders during last year’s deadline to make meaningful trades. These are assets that are worth collecting for the Blazers. After all, they’re quite far from winning an NBA championship.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
Interested in reading the latest storylines and analysis in the NFL? Check out our partner NFL Analysis Network.
