For two years now, NBA fans have been having the same discussion about the Chicago Bulls. When are they going to rebuild? This team is stuck. Shouldn’t they do something to get out of this hole?
Yet, for the second consecutive deadline, the Bulls held steady. This team wants to compete. The Bulls don’t seem concerned about the opinions of outsiders. They’re focused on building a competitive team without undergoing a long rebuilding process.
Fine. So, they need to make a win-now trade. If the Bulls won’t rebuild, they need to make a move in the opposite direction. Could they acquire LaMelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets?
NBA Trade Proposal
Charlotte Hornets Receive: G Coby White, F Patrick Williams, 2027 First-Round Pick (CHI), 2029 First-Round Pick (CHI)
Chicago Bulls Receive: G LaMelo Ball
It’s not simply that the Bulls are losing too much. Losing is forgivable in the NBA – as long as you’re a young team. By contrast, a veteran team like the Bulls should be winning. Otherwise, they should eventually start over.
Yet, even a young team reaches a limit with losing. Eventually, it begins to look like your rebuild is failing. Ideally, your young core begins to make some progress. Otherwise, the fear of trade requests begins to set in.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls Updates
The Hornets are approaching that point. They’re in the middle of another losing season. On the other hand, if Ball could stay healthy, the story might be different. Should the Bulls acquire such an injury-prone player?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
The Bulls have already been dealing with one injury-prone Ball. At this point, it’s fair to question whether Lonzo’s career will get back on track. Why would they make a move for LaMelo?
Well, in theory, the two brothers would make for a perfect backcourt. Lonzo was looking like a perfect 3-and-D guard with secondary playmaking abilities before his injury. LaMelo is a textbook lead playmaker. The pair of brothers would have elite positional size in the backcourt. That could allow the Bulls to play Zach LaVine at the 3.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls Updates
Meanwhile, the potential chemistry of the brothers would have to be tantalizing. The Bulls look stuck. This deal is risky, but if it pays off, it should make them a considerably better team. Should the Hornets move their franchise player?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
In Ball’s absence, Brandon Miller has thrived. As a rookie, he’s looked like a potential franchise player. That doesn’t mean they need to trade Ball – in theory, the two should work well together.
With that said, the Hornets could use a change as well. Trade rumors have been surrounding Ball for a couple of years now. This team may do well to make a franchise-altering move.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls Updates
Ball’s value won’t be quite as high as they’d like. His injury history will impact his market. With that said, Coby White is a most improved player candidate. Williams would be coming by way of a sign-and-trade. The Hornets pick up two talented young players and a pair of unprotected firsts here. Ideally, each of these teams will have a direction following this deal.
