Everyone’s got an opinion. Everyone’s got an opinion about what an NBA team should do as well. When a team is in a bad situation, the whole NBA-watching world will know exactly what they ought to do.
Take the Chicago Bulls. This team is mediocre in 2023-24. They were mediocre in 2022-23 as well. When a team appears to be stuck in mediocrity, everyone’s got an opinion. Usually, the opinion is that they need to rebuild.
That’s probably true. At the same time, it can be a hard sell for owners and general managers. Some rumors have suggested that the Bulls would prefer to stay as competitive as possible.
Could they make a move for Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers?
NBA Trade Proposal: Chicago Bulls Land Cleveland Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: G/F Zach LaVine, 2024 First-Round Pick (CHI), 2027 First-Round Pick (CHI), 2028 First-Round Pick (Swap – CHI)
Chicago Bulls Receive: G Donovan Mitchell, G/F Isaac Okoro
Starting a rebuild is one thing. Ending one is another. A smart general manager knows when their team needs to rebuild. They also can identify when their team is ready to stop rebuilding. Did the Cavaliers accomplish that goal when they acquired Mitchell?
It’s a matter of debate. On the one hand, it’s easy to understand why the Cavaliers made their decision. After drafting Evan Mobley and Darius Garland, the Cavaliers looked ready to make a move.
On the other hand, landing Mitchell may not have been the right move. His interest in playing in a bigger market has been rumored for years.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, Chicago Bulls Updates
Moreover, pairing him with Darius Garland has given the Cavaliers a small backcourt that can be problematic in some matchups.
Should they trade him now?
Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Do The Deal
It’s been rumored that Zach LaVine currently has minimal trade value. That’s fair. LaVine is a score-first guard who can be prone to tunnel vision. LaVine is also a poor defender. Why would the Cavaliers want him?
Above all else, they want the pair of first-round picks they’re receiving here. The Cavaliers gave up a lot of draft capital when they acquired Mitchell. Here, they’re making up some of that ground.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, Chicago Bulls Updates
At the same time, LaVine is a proxy for Mitchell. He’s a far less efficient offensive player, but he can take on Mitchell’s role in Cleveland. LaVine will be easier to move if that doesn’t work out as his contract ages.
Should the Bulls move him now?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
Chicago is a bigger market than Cleveland. Let’s start there. After all, whether Mitchell wants to stay in Chicago matters as much as anything else. This franchise’s storied history and large market may appeal to him.
That said, we won’t say that this is the best move for Chicago. They’d be better off trading LaVine for whatever draft capital they can find – along with their other veterans.
We’re only responding to the rumors. It seems that this front office is unwilling to rebuild under any circumstances. So they won’t need the draft capital.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, Chicago Bulls Updates
Why not trade it for Mitchell? If the Bulls aren’t interested in rebuilding, they might as well trade for a star who should make their team better. At least, that’s our opinion.
