Nobody likes a quitter. Nobody likes to quit, either. Even NBA teams hate quitting. At the same time, it can be what’s best for an organization. Take the Chicago Bulls.
This team had a somewhat disappointing 2021-22 season. They had a woefully disappointing 2023-24 season. This team is on a downward trajectory. It’s time for the Bulls to blow up their roster and rebuild.
What about the New Orleans Pelicans? Well, they don’t have an urgent need to rebuild. At the same time, they must feel some temptation to give up on Zion Williamson. This is one of the most injury-prone stars in the NBA. Williamson’s body seems to fail him consistently.
Could the Chicago Bulls take a chance on him anyway?
NBA Trade Proposal — Chicago Bulls Land Zion Williamson
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G/F Zach LaVine, 2027 First-Round Pick (CHI)
Chicago Bulls Receive: F Zion Williamson, G Kira Lewis Jr.
Does rebuilding count as quitting? Well, that depends – what is the goal? Are you trying to make the playoffs in 2023-24? In that case, yes – by rebuilding your team, you’re conceding defeat.
What if the goal is to build a champion eventually? In that event, you’re dealing with a different timeline. Suddenly, rebuilding isn’t quitting – it’s part of the plan. The goal is to win a title years later, so prioritizing young players, development, and assets is the right call.
Ultimately, every team in the NBA has to set their goals. In recent years, it’s felt like the Bulls have made it their goal to make the playoffs – and nothing else. Nobody expected this core to compete for an NBA title.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans, Chicago Bulls Updates
With that said, they’ve fallen so short of their goals that, by now, it may be time to set some new ones. Does this deal help them get on that path?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
Williamson is the ultimate high-risk / high-reward proposition. Let’s be clear – this could be a disaster for the Bulls. If Williamson can’t get his body right, they’ll have given up a star player and a first-round pick for nothing.
After all, that’s what Williamson is worth to an NBA team if he can’t get on the floor – nothing. What’s he worth when he is playing basketball? Everything. Williamson has looked like an MVP candidate when he’s been healthy. His ability to generate baskets at the rim is second to none.
Williamson has the potential to be a franchise player. Like we said – high risk / high reward. Here, the Bulls are taking the risk. Why not? This team’s current outlook is bleak anyway.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans, Chicago Bulls Updates
By acquiring Williamson, they’re giving themselves some possibilities to get excited about. Should the Pelicans help them get excited?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
The Pelicans are on the other side of that risk/reward analysis here. They’re playing it safe. Is the potential reward high enough to minimize the risk of keeping Williamson?
That depends on how you’re looking at it. A core group of LaVine, Brandon Ingram, and the Pelicans’ deep cast of young role players won’t compete for an NBA title. At the same time, it should be a playoff team. The Pelicans will remain competitive following this deal.
Meanwhile, they’ll be ridding themselves of the constant worry of rostering Zion Williamson. They’ll also be adding a first-round pick to an already impressive collection.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans, Chicago Bulls Updates
The Pelicans could eventually trade for a third star using that collection. Suddenly, title contention could become a reasonable goal.
New Orleans could be taking a step back here, but it could be in the interest of taking two steps forward. That might be worth the cost of finally quitting on Williamson.
