NBA Trade Thread #11

[jnrjr79]

Certainly not a lot of cap space around. This is a pretty weak free agency, however. He's the only young top free agent, think the ones that are better are 30+. He can take the QO if he doesn't get at least a $20 mill offer from the Bulls or another team and get paid in 2026, when a ton of teams are predicted to have space.

I think it's likely Brooklyn takes a run at him. They'll have like 7 players, no real PG, $90 mill in cap space, and h fits their timline and team better than a older vet would.

Yeah, they are the one team that seems to make sense, given their situation. No idea what they think of Giddey specifically, but they'll have the $$ and he fits the timeline, as you note.

They are the team that traded for Ben Simmons. Giddey isn't half the defender, but he's a better shooter and doesn't have the mental issues. People who say an offense can't function with Giddey's shooting must have forgotten about Simmons, lol. And Giddey probably comes at close to half the price.

I would think the failed Simmons experiment would lessen their interest in Giddey, not show them as someone who would be interested.

[Infinity2152]

Yeah, they are the one team that seems to make sense, given their situation. No idea what they think of Giddey specifically, but they'll have the $$ and he fits the timeline, as you note.

They are the team that traded for Ben Simmons. Giddey isn't half the defender, but he's a better shooter and doesn't have the mental issues. People who say an offense can't function with Giddey's shooting must have forgotten about Simmons, lol. And Giddey probably comes at close to half the price.

I would think the failed Simmons experiment would lessen their interest in Giddey, not show them as someone who would be interested.

Did the Simmons experiment fail due to his poor shooting? Or his mental breakdown? The fact that Simmons failed with them I don't think is even mostly because of the flaw he shares with Giddey, and he's a MUCH worse shooter than Giddey, anyway. Simmons dreams of shooting 34% from 3. Simmon's situation may be the most unique in NBA history.

Not sure anybody could have predicted Simmon's injuries and breakdowns. Not an indictment on the decision. What it shows is they'll sign a 6'8 guy who can't shoot if he can pass and rebound to me.

Funny thing is, even after his collapse teams still want Simmons. Rumored several teams were after him after his buyout and he signed with the Clippers. For dirt cheap of course, but non-shooters still have value if they do other things. Giddey's around just below average at this point shooting.

[prolific passer]

Ben Simmons is gonna be the goat shooter of the NBA for the remainder of the season if I say so myself.

[MrSparkle]

Wonder where Durant goes this summer. Suns pulled off an ArturaBulls **** up x10.

He’ll be expiring and turning 37, so a team would have to be idiotic to offer “fair” compensation (or overpay) for his talents.

I still think an OKC homecoming would be the most logical for both sides. Thunder have atleast five extra/barely relevant FRPs they can throw into a trade. 2-3 ought to do it. Throw in some role player bloated salaries (Hartenstein, Dort) to clear space for Shai and Chet’s big extensions.

Spurs would also be interesting, if they decide Wemby is ready for a 2026 title run. Could move Barnes & Keldon’s salaries. They’ll have 2 good FRPs this draft. Of course 1 of the lesser picks would already be a strong offer for PHX. KD would be coming back to Longhorn territory. Atleast in my head, that seems like a nice sounding retirement plan.

[sco]

Wonder where Durant goes this summer. Suns pulled off an ArturaBulls **** up x10.

He’ll be expiring and turning 37, so a team would have to be idiotic to offer “fair” compensation (or overpay) for his talents.

I still think an OKC homecoming would be the most logical for both sides. Thunder have atleast five extra/barely relevant FRPs they can throw into a trade. 2-3 ought to do it. Throw in some role player bloated salaries (Hartenstein, Dort) to clear space for Shai and Chet’s big extensions.

Spurs would also be interesting, if they decide Wemby is ready for a 2026 title run. Could move Barnes & Keldon’s salaries. They’ll have 2 good FRPs this draft. Of course 1 of the lesser picks would already be a strong offer for PHX. KD would be coming back to Longhorn territory. Atleast in my head, that seems like a nice sounding retirement plan.

I'm betting on Lakers in exchange for garbage.

[Chi town]

AK turned down a 1st for Lonzo.

He should be able to get a 1st at the draft for sure with his new cheap deal.

https://www.bleachernation.com/bulls/2025/02/12/bulls-first-lonzo-ball-off/

[sco]

AK turned down a 1st for Lonzo.

He should be able to get a 1st at the draft for sure with his new cheap deal.

https://www.bleachernation.com/bulls/2025/02/12/bulls-first-lonzo-ball-off/

wtf!

[dumbell78]

I think it's clear this FO/ownership group will not take back money on deals with draft capitol.

[Infinity2152]

Don't the Bulls need to keep at least a couple of vets on a rebuilding team, though? Looks like it's going to default to Lonzo or Giddey running the young guys, I prefer Lonzo. Vuc is probably gone. I get guys want to lose, but you don't want the young guys to develop into losers. Lonzo is not enough to win us a ton of games. And if he continues to get healthier, he's a far more valuable trade chip next season. That first round pick could have been like those King's picks, almost worthless. Probably protected, maybe unlikely to convey. Or a pick from a top 3 team.

Team full of young guys, I think Lonzo is kind of the ideal player to help them develop and play their best.

[WesPeace]

Williams, White will also be pretty much vets next season lol.. White already in 7th season, Williams in 6th.. I hope White get traded in offseason tho

[Infinity2152]

Williams, White will also be pretty much vets next season lol.. White already in 7th season, Williams in 6th.. I hope White get traded in offseason tho

Thinking White will be traded also, and Pat may be the worst vet in history, lmao! A 22 year old with low drive and no apparent leadership who's improved little and just watched all the vets get traded. But yes, without Ball, Pat would probably be the senior starter next season.

Matas and our new rookie deserve and need better.

[WesPeace]

Williams, White will also be pretty much vets next season lol.. White already in 7th season, Williams in 6th.. I hope White get traded in offseason tho

Thinking White will be traded also, and Pat may be the worst vet in history, lmao! A 22 year old with low drive and no apparent leadership who's improved little and just watched all the vets get traded. But yes, without Ball, Pat would probably be the senior starter next season.

Matas and our new rookie deserve and need better.

Only hope for success for PWill I can see - is getting back to that rookie body, leaner and quicker player and put him on SF spot. He is now too heavy,stiff and slow.. forcing him into PF spot ,no matter what was cleary bad decision! same as for Lauri and forcing him to bulk up too much and put him many times on center spot.

I really really hope that wont be the case/plan with Matas, to bulk up and use him as center a lot in next years. With idiots that are running Bulls, I dont trust them one bit.

[Infinity2152]

Williams, White will also be pretty much vets next season lol.. White already in 7th season, Williams in 6th.. I hope White get traded in offseason tho

Thinking White will be traded also, and Pat may be the worst vet in history, lmao! A 22 year old with low drive and no apparent leadership who's improved little and just watched all the vets get traded. But yes, without Ball, Pat would probably be the senior starter next season.

Matas and our new rookie deserve and need better.

Only hope for success for PWill I can see - is getting back to that rookie body, leaner and quicker player and put him on SF spot. He is now too heavy,stiff and slow.. forcing him into PF spot ,no matter what was cleary bad decision! same as for Lauri and forcing him to bulk up too much and put him many times on center spot.

I really really hope that wont be the case/plan with Matas, to bulk up and use him as center a lot in next years. With idiots that are running Bulls, I dont trust them one bit.

Between Pat and Matas, Matas seems more suited to play PF. Doesn't need to bulk up a lot, he has some natural growing to do. Taller, better rebounder. Pat slims down and plays at SF, he's much better. A lineup of Ball, Giddey, Williams, Matas, Smith could actually look pretty fun. All these guys have way more scoring opportunities than ever before, and there's no hiding behind the Big 3 anymore. Two playmakers on court, multiple plus defenders, multiple good shooters. Lot of rebounding. We need to draft a high-end athlete, we're sorely lacking in fast, explosive players. If Pat can get close to that, it would be a huge help.

Bulls have consistently been keeping at least two playable centers, hopefully Matas never sees that spot.

[prolific passer]

Thinking White will be traded also, and Pat may be the worst vet in history, lmao! A 22 year old with low drive and no apparent leadership who's improved little and just watched all the vets get traded. But yes, without Ball, Pat would probably be the senior starter next season.

Matas and our new rookie deserve and need better.

Only hope for success for PWill I can see - is getting back to that rookie body, leaner and quicker player and put him on SF spot. He is now too heavy,stiff and slow.. forcing him into PF spot ,no matter what was cleary bad decision! same as for Lauri and forcing him to bulk up too much and put him many times on center spot.

I really really hope that wont be the case/plan with Matas, to bulk up and use him as center a lot in next years. With idiots that are running Bulls, I dont trust them one bit.

Between Pat and Matas, Matas seems more suited to play PF. Doesn't need to bulk up a lot, he has some natural growing to do. Taller, better rebounder. Pat slims down and plays at SF, he's much better. A lineup of Ball, Giddey, Williams, Matas, Smith could actually look pretty fun. All these guys have way more scoring opportunities than ever before, and there's no hiding behind the Big 3 anymore. Two playmakers on court, multiple plus defenders, multiple good shooters. Lot of rebounding. We need to draft a high-end athlete, we're sorely lacking in fast, explosive players. If Pat can get close to that, it would be a huge help.

Bulls have consistently been keeping at least two playable centers, hopefully Matas never sees that spot.

Front office read this and congratulates you on giving them the idea of moving Matas to center.

[WesPeace]

Thinking White will be traded also, and Pat may be the worst vet in history, lmao! A 22 year old with low drive and no apparent leadership who's improved little and just watched all the vets get traded. But yes, without Ball, Pat would probably be the senior starter next season.

Matas and our new rookie deserve and need better.

Only hope for success for PWill I can see - is getting back to that rookie body, leaner and quicker player and put him on SF spot. He is now too heavy,stiff and slow.. forcing him into PF spot ,no matter what was cleary bad decision! same as for Lauri and forcing him to bulk up too much and put him many times on center spot.

I really really hope that wont be the case/plan with Matas, to bulk up and use him as center a lot in next years. With idiots that are running Bulls, I dont trust them one bit.

Between Pat and Matas, Matas seems more suited to play PF. Doesn't need to bulk up a lot, he has some natural growing to do. Taller, better rebounder. Pat slims down and plays at SF, he's much better. A lineup of Ball, Giddey, Williams, Matas, Smith could actually look pretty fun. All these guys have way more scoring opportunities than ever before, and there's no hiding behind the Big 3 anymore. Two playmakers on court, multiple plus defenders, multiple good shooters. Lot of rebounding. We need to draft a high-end athlete, we're sorely lacking in fast, explosive players. If Pat can get close to that, it would be a huge help.

Bulls have consistently been keeping at least two playable centers, hopefully Matas never sees that spot.

Yes,thats my thinking as well.. but with our dumdums in office and on bench,who knows?!

But that should be plan for next season, one last try with leaner PWill at SF and Matas as starting PF.

[pipfan]

The starting forwards next year will be Flagg/Matas, with PWIll backing both up
I've seen the future

[Infinity2152]

My early prediction is we end up around 4 or 5 and draft KJ, slots immediately into shooting guard spot. Comes off the bench to start. Bulls have a HUGE predilection for grabbing local products. He MIGHT be able to bump Pat out of the starting line-up immediately, but likely they start him off the bench early on. If Ball is healthy enough to start, he starts automatically. If not, only guaranteed starters are probably Matas and Smith if we don't add a starting center.

Giddey's getting starting minutes if he's here, but if Ball is starting and Pat picks his game up, Giddey may lead second unit depending on the rookie development.

[Dan Z]

My early prediction is we end up around 4 or 5 and draft KJ, slots immediately into shooting guard spot. Comes off the bench to start. Bulls have a HUGE predilection for grabbing local products. He MIGHT be able to bump Pat out of the starting line-up immediately, but likely they start him off the bench early on. If Ball is healthy enough to start, he starts automatically. If not, only guaranteed starters are probably Matas and Smith if we don't add a starting center.

Giddey's getting starting minutes if he's here, but if Ball is starting and Pat picks his game up, Giddey may lead second unit depending on the rookie development.

I think KJ would be a great pick and make Giddey expendable.

However, I could see Giddey getting over paid for his next contract and, like you said, KJ comes off the bench.

[Muzbar]

My early prediction is we end up around 4 or 5 and draft KJ, slots immediately into shooting guard spot. Comes off the bench to start. Bulls have a HUGE predilection for grabbing local products. He MIGHT be able to bump Pat out of the starting line-up immediately, but likely they start him off the bench early on. If Ball is healthy enough to start, he starts automatically. If not, only guaranteed starters are probably Matas and Smith if we don't add a starting center.

Giddey's getting starting minutes if he's here, but if Ball is starting and Pat picks his game up, Giddey may lead second unit depending on the rookie development.

You think the Bulls are going to somehow tank their way to the 4th or 5th spot?

I think they'll be lucky to get to 6th.

[ImSlower]

It's almost statistically impossible for them to move under the bottom 4 teams. Even if we say only won 5 more games of our 27 remaining, Charlotte or Utah would have to more than double their current win counts and go ~.500 for the remainder. It's a non-starter conversation.

Sneaking into 5th would be incredibly tough as well. It'd already be very difficult passing under Toronto unless they inexplicably become a winning team for their final 27. It also requires Brooklyn and Philly both bungle their own tanks at the same time. I think the most realistic and likely outcome will be our guys sliding under Philly if George stops being disinterested *and* deteriorating. 7th worst again, boys! We'll have a 34% chance to hit top 4. Just don't stay at 8th, guys.