RealGM

PWill is SUCH a disappointment. There's some talent there, but he needs a fresh start
Wash is in full rebuild, so this might make sense for them

PWill/Vuc/#12 pick to Wash
Middleton/#19 (Memphis pick) to Chi

Wash moves up, assuming there's someone there they're interested in. Vuc could go to a 3rd team, either in this deal or midseason. Wash hopes PWill shows a pulse

Bulls move back, assuming Newell/Maluach aren't available (only guys I like in that range of the draft-we don't need Fears). They take the best big available at #19, and have Middleton as an expiring vet to help mentor the kids. Could also deal him at the deadline

This would open up more cap space in 2026 for the Bulls-they'd go into next summer with Giddey/Matas/JSmith/#19 pick, plus Coby/Ayo's cap holds. Phillips is a cheap team option next summer, and Ball is at $10 million. Even with all of these guys, they'd have about $100 million committed-that's be about $70 million (more without Ball and Ayo's cap holds) to play with

Chicago is asset-deprived and shouldn't be spending assets to dump contracts. Don't let their little run in March fool you; they are multiple players and likely years away from seriously competing.

Awful trade for CHI. Makes no sense to trade down like that, take BPA at 12 and go from there.

letsgobulls23 wrote:Awful trade for CHI. Makes no sense to trade down like that, take BPA at 12 and go from there.

Sure, depending on draft tiers
Dumping PWill would REALLY help. This deal creates almost $20 million more in 2026 potential cap space (Williams deal, plus the difference in salary between 12 and 19). His play really hurts our team at the moment. I was a big believer, but now ready to move on.
It also dumps Vuc and adds Middleton-a highly respected vet would could help our young team grow. He's also a nice trade chip at the deadline.
The deal also saves us a little money next year (something Bulls' ownership always likes)

White/Ayo/JCarter
Ball/Huerter/Terry
Giddy/Middleton/Terry
Matas/Phillips/#19
Collins/JSmith/#19

Sorber from GTown might work-not sure who would be the target. But dumping Vuc REALLY helps our defense and creates more shots for Matas.

Next summer we'd have A TON of cap space to play with

Wiz fan here - Patrick Williams at $18 mil a year for the next 4 years is a ton to take on just to move up 7 spots in one draft. Don't think it's worth it. Maybe if it was just PWill plus a future draft pick for an expiring contract.

$72M is a heck of a lot to pay to move up 7 slots in the draft. This is a trade that many fans might like because it's not their money, but very few owners would.

Zero interest from the Wizards. They are planning to tank one more year next season as their pick is top 8 protected owed to the Knicks. Vuc could threaten that. We'd rather keep Middleton and flip him for a future first and a bad contract vs moving up 7 spots in this draft.